Article for Polio Awareness Month, (October)

 Affecting millions more than just the nation's then great president Franklin Roosevelt, the polio epidemic ravaged the nation during the decade of the 40's and 50's. During the month of October, the world comes together to recognize this serious disease, and to remember those that perished as a result. Formally known as Poliomyelitis, polio is a debilitating illness that envelops its victims and perpetuates a myriad of symptoms-often coming in one of two forms: non-paralytic and paralytic. Additionally, Polio pathogenesis may come from one of three variants: type1, type2, and type3-two of which have been eradicated. Each form, medically compromising in its own way, invites its own set of symptoms. Those with non-paralytic experience common respiratory symptoms that include fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle aches. Alternatively, paralytic polio propagates loss of reflexes, severe muscle aches, loss of muscle function, and trouble breathing. Consequently, post-polio patients may acquire Post-Polio Syndrome, which includes atrophy, fatigue, progressive muscle pain, intolerance to cold temperatures, and respiratory problems. Finally, polio can perpetuate aseptic   meningitis (brain & spinal cord inflammation). 

  New cases of Wild Polio are still being found popping up, so our job is not done. We must continue the fight to End Polio!     

By Rotarian Jake Rosen