What is Polio?
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to paralysis, breathing problems, or even death. The term poliomyelitis is from the Greek poliós meaning “grey”, myelós referencing the spinal cord, and -its meaning inflammation.
Many people with nonparalytic polio are able to make a full recovery, while those with paralytic polio generally end up with permanent paralysis.
Polio used to be a big killer. Today (September 2012) polio has been eradicated in all but three countries worldwide – Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations.
Thanks to the vast effort world wide by Rotarians and others like you, polio has been reduced by 99%. We are closer than ever to ending this crippling disease forever.
