Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. Most people who get infected will not have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can range from minor symptoms like fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, to severe symptoms of muscles pain, stiffness, paralysis and meningitis. Poliovirus is spread from person to person mainly by contact with secretions or stool from an infected person.
Local information
2025 Statistics
Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.
Cases:
0*
*Includes confirmed cases in 2025.
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2025: 0
Incidence rate per 100,000 of poliomyelitis, acute by year
Data sources |
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More information about polio |
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Reporting |
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Report to the Health Unit immediately by fax (705-482-0670) and phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if poliomyelitis, acute is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 705-474-1400 then press 0 to speak with the answering service. The on-call CDC Public Health Nurse will get back to you as soon as possible. |
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Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have polio? |
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Contact the Health Unit. Exclusion needs to be determined on an individual case basis. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace. |
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Vaccine information |
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Polio is preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information. |
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Healthcare provider information |
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Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: Apr 2026, by CDC