Polio is caught primarily through fecal-oral transmission, meaning the poliovirus spreads when a person ingests food or water contaminated with the feces (poop) of an infected person. It can also spread, though less commonly, through oral-oral transmission (contact with droplets from coughs or sneezes). The virus enters the body through the mouth, infecting the throat and intestinal tract. People can spread the virus even if they do not have symptoms, by contaminating objects or food and water that others then ingest. Poor hygiene, such as not washing hands properly, can increase the risk of transmission.
In summary, polio is caught by:
- Contact with feces of an infected person (e.g., contaminated food, water, or objects)
- Less commonly, droplets from sneezing or coughing of an infected person
- Putting contaminated fingers or objects into the mouth
- Close contact with someone who is sick with polio or carrying the virus.
