Poliomelitis

Question 1

Primordial level

Answer 1

Target population: General public
Objective: Prevent onset of illness
Means: Social media, fliers, radio station, TV, religious and community leaders, medical outreaches etc
Methods: Educate the general public on the disease poliomyelitis or polio is an infectious disease caused by poliovirus. The virus affects the nervous systems and can lead to permanent paralysis and even death.
Transmission: Through fecal oral route, usually from contaminated water and food.
Early symptoms include: fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, pain in the limbs and neck stiffness. Some infected people may go on to develope paralysis which can be fatal in some cases.
I will encourage environmental hygiene , personal hygiene and vaccination campaigns to reduce the spread of the virus.

Question 2

Primary level

Answer 2

Target population: General public with focus on healthy and high risk individuals
Objective: To prevent onset of illness
Means: Community outreach, social media, religious leaders, traditional rulers
Methods:

Use of oral polio vaccine which is administered at 6wks , 10 wks , 14wks. Booster/ supplementary can be given after 18months

Inactivated polio vaccine is given at 14wks of age

I will ensure proper disease surveillance for children under 15yrs with flaccid paralysis
I will encourage environmental and food hygiene as well as adequate and safe drinking water supply

Question 3

SECONDARY PREVENTION

Answer 3

Target population: Sick individuals
Objective: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment
Methods: Diagnosis is made with virus isolation from stool sample or throat swab. A lumbar puncture can be done as well to detect viral presence.
Individuals who are diagnosed should be isolated to prevent further spread.
There is no specific treatment for polio, patients can be managed supportively with antiemetics, antipyretics and analgesics.

Question 4

TERTIARY PREVENTION

Answer 4

Target population: Sick individuals
Obiective: To limit damage and complications
Methods: Provide respiratory support if necessary
Orthopedic surgery consultation for deformities of the lower limp
Regular follow up to monitor for complications especially for those with disability.

Question 5

QUATERNARY PREVENTION

Answer 5

Target population: Convalescent or recovering individuals
Objective: Restore function, rehabilitation and prevent overmedicalization
Methods: Aid recovery from the disease by providing physiotherapy.
Educate family an community members to assist in rehabilitation and provide emotional or social support
Provide walking aids and wheelchairs when needed
Avoid unlicensed medical interventions that are not evidence based
Thank you sir