Sophie-

Submitted by steve (United States), May 7, 2006 at 12:33

Sophie, please do me a favor and open a book. Polio is not a highly infectious disease. It's spread by fecal-oral transmission. So do yourself a favor and make sure you wash your hands. Most people that become infected do not even know that they have it due the belief (like your own) that they will become instantly paralyzed. The incubation period is usually 6-20 days and individuals can go for some time without developing any symptoms at all. The most common symptoms are similar to the cold and flu. Less then 1% of those that contract polio develop the more well-known symptoms of paralysis, usually in the legs. Endemic countries include those in West and Central Africa, the Indian sub-continent, and Southeast Asia. I doubt that you'll be going there, especially with your views about the Islamic world.

In response to your other comment - I'm not Muslim, but I have studied Islam as well as many other religions. ...

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