Post-Polio Syndrome

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that causes gradual muscle weakness and muscle atrophy (loss) that can affect people who’ve had polio. PPS usually happens 10 to 40 years after you’ve recovered from the initial polio infection.

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a disease caused by the poliovirus. It causes mild or no symptoms in most people. But it can sometimes cause paralysis or death.

There are three variations of poliovirus, called wild poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3. Wild polio types 2 and 3 have been eradicated (no longer exist), and wild polio type 1 only exists in a few parts of the world.

Who does post-polio syndrome affect?

Post-polio syndrome affects people who’ve had polio. PPS develops 10 years or more after the original illness and can occur as late as 40 years afterward.

Approximately 30% to 40% of people who’ve had polio will develop PPS. A person who was more severely affected by polio may develop a more severe case of PPS.

How common is post-polio syndrome?

Post-polio syndrome is rare because polio is rare. The polio vaccine has gotten rid of polio from the U.S. However, polio still exists in some countries, and cases of PPS still occur.