Poliomyelitis (often simply called polio) is an acute viral infection that involves the gastrointestinal tract and occasionally the central nervous system. Poliovirus is acquired by faecal–oral or oral transmission. Prior to the introduction of a polio vaccine in 1955, infection was common, with epidemics during the summer and autumn of temperate countries. Polio eradication efforts have reduced the number of estimated polio cases worldwide by more than 99% since the mid-1980s. Most infections are asymptomatic; a small number cause a minor illness that is indistinguishable from many other viral illnesses; less than 1% result in acute flaccid paralysis. This article lists people who had the paralytic form of polio. The extent of paralysis varies from part of a limb to quadriplegia and respiratory failure. The latter was often treated with an iron lung. Around 30–40 years after contracting paralytic poliomyelitis, about 25–40% of cases lead to post-polio syndrome. Symptoms include muscle pain, further weakening of muscles and paralysis.[1][2]
Surviving paralytic polio can be a life-changing experience. Individuals may be permanently physically disabled to varying degrees. Others remember the fear and isolation.[3] Some continue to campaign for polio eradication and disability rights.
- ^ Alexander L, Watkins M, Alexander J (2005–2006). "Yellow Book, Chapter 4, Poliomyelitis". CDC. Archived from the original on 15 May 2007. Retrieved 22 May 2007. (Public domain text, used with permission and thanks.)
- ^ Atkinson W, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, Wolfe S, eds. (2007). "Chapter 8. Poliomyelitis" (PDF). Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (10th ed.). Public Health Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 April 2007.
- ^ "Memories of polio and those who wrestled with it". The Sydney Morning Herald. 7 December 2004. Retrieved 18 May 2007.