Causes By Mayo Clinic staff The poliovirus resides only in humans and enters the environment in the feces of someone whos infected. Poliovirus spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route, especially in areas where sanitation is inadequate. Poliovirus can be transmitted through contaminated water and food or through direct contact with someone infected with the virus. Polio is so contagious that anyone living with a recently infected person is likely to become infected, too. People carrying the poliovirus can spread the virus for weeks in their feces.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 12:53:00 +0000