Due to mass immunisation, it is rare to encounter these diseases in the UK. Certain countries and continents have however been known to still carry the disease, for example, some parts of Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. Polio is particularly important to vaccinate against as symptoms can reappear in the form of post-polio syndrome. This may lead to lifelong paralysis and further complications.

You can become infected by coming into contact with the faeces of someone who has infection or eating or drinking water contaminated by the faeces of someone carrying the disease.

Content Reviewed By

Ghulam Haydar,

MPharm, IPresc