List of poliomyelitis survivors

This is a list of notable people who have survived the infectious disease poliomyelitis. 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 vaccine in 1955, infection was common, with epidemics during the summer and autumn of temperate countries. An eradication programme has reduced the number of reported 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. The extent of paralysis varies from part of a limb to quadriplegia and respiratory failure. The latter was often treated with an iron lung until, it was hoped, the patient recovered. 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. [cite web
author = Alexander L, Watkins M, Alexander J
year = 2005–2006
url = http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=polio.htm
title = Yellow Book, Chapter 4, Poliomyelitis
publisher = CDC
accessdate = 2007-05-22 (Public domain text, used with permission and thanks.)] [cite book
author = Atkinson W, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, Wolfe S eds.
title = Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.
year = 2007
edition = 10th
publisher = Public Health Foundation
url = http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/pink/polio.pdf
accessdate = 2007-05-22
format = PDF
chapter = Chapter 8. Poliomyelitis]

Surviving paralytic polio can be a life-changing experience. Individuals may be permanently physically disabled to varying degrees. Others remember the fear and isolation.cite news
title = Memories of polio and those who wrestled with it
url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Memories-of-polio-and-those-who-wrestled-with-it/2004/12/06/1102182223039.html
work = The Sydney Morning Herald.
date = 2004-12-07
accessdate = 2007-05-18] Some continue to campaign for polio eradication or disability rights.

Uncontested diagnosis

This categorised alphabetical list contains only those people with a firm and uncontested diagnosis made while still alive.

Acting

Disability rights activists

[
150px_|_thumb_|_right_|_Judith Heumann had to take legal action to be allowed to become a teacher.]

Politics

Visual arts

_150px_|_thumb_|_right_|_Lord Snowden has often campaigned to improve the lives of disabled people.

Retrospective diagnosis

The following people were not diagnosed with polio during their lifetime. A retrospective diagnosis is speculative and can never been certain.

Notes and references