Polio

This project is for those who DIED from Polio or a complication of polio.

If they SURVIVED Polio, please add to: Polio Survivors

Also known as: Poliomyelitis, polio, infantile paralysis

Poliomyelitis, often called polio or infantile paralysis, according to the CDC, is an incurable, "crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease caused by a virus that spreads from person to person invading the brain and spinal cord and causing paralysis." One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralyzed, 5% to 10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.
In those with muscle weakness about 2% to 5% of children and 15% to 30% of adults die.

Links to Additional Reading:

• World Health Organization - Poliomyelitis (polio)
• Wikipedia - Poliomyelitis
• ProCon – Polio Cases, Deaths, and Vaccination Rates

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