Polio transmission route: which is most common?

• A. Airborne via coughing or sneezing
• B. Fecal-oral route (most common)
• C. Direct contact with infected persons
• D. Bloodborne transmission

Answer: (B)

Poliovirus mainly spreads through the fecal-oral route. The virus replicates in the gastrointestinal tract and is shed in feces for weeks, so transmission occurs when a person ingests water or food contaminated with this material or touches contaminated hands and then mouth. This route is especially common in areas with poor sanitation, where fecal contamination of water and food is more likely. While the virus can be present in throat secretions, airborne spread from coughing or sneezing is not the typical transmission pathway, and bloodborne transmission is not how polio mainly spreads.