Final answer:
Abortive poliomyelitis is a mild form of polio causing non-specific symptoms like fever and headache, and it does not cause paralysis or severe neurological issues. It is still contagious, and the development of polio vaccines has been critical in controlling and nearly eradicating the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abortive poliomyelitis refers to a form of polio infection that results in a mild illness without paralytic symptoms. It is characterized by non-specific symptoms such as fever, malaise, headache, sore throat, and vomiting. This form of polio does not lead to the severe paralysis or neurological issues that are associated with classical cases of poliomyelitis, where the virus affects cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite the mild nature of abortive poliomyelitis, those infected still shed the virus and can transmit it to others.
Polio itself, caused by the poliovirus, is a disease that can vary in severity. Polio vaccines, such as those developed by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, are crucial in preventing the spread of polio and ensuring public health. Due to global vaccination efforts, polio has been nearly eradicated, with only sporadic cases reported, primarily in areas with inadequate vaccination coverage.