Transmission prevention for polio includes which measure?

• A. Reduce exposure to contaminated water and food
• B. Rely on vaccines only, with no hygiene
• C. Avoid exercise
• D. Avoid vaccination to prevent adverse effects

Answer: (A)

The key idea is interrupting the main way polio spreads: the fecal-oral route. Poliovirus is commonly transmitted through contaminated water and food, especially where sanitation is poor. So the most effective way to prevent transmission is to reduce people’s exposure to contaminated water and food by ensuring clean water supplies, proper sanitation, safe food handling, and good hand hygiene.

Vaccination is crucial for preventing disease, but it doesn’t immediately stop transmission if exposure occurs; hygiene and sanitation work to block the exposure pathway itself. Choices that ignore hygiene, or that suggest avoiding vaccination or unnecessary activities, don’t address how the virus is spread and aren’t effective strategies for transmission prevention.