All articles tagged with #post polio syndrome
Martha Lillard, the last known U.S. polio patient dependent on an iron lung, died at 78 in Oklahoma; contracted polio at age five and spent most of her life in the device, yet she learned via tutoring and traveled with her family. Her death certificate cites chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome, highlighting both the disease’s history and the vaccine-era decline of polio in the U.S.
An Oklahoma polio survivor who was the last American to rely on an iron lung died at 78. Martha Lillard, diagnosed with polio as a child, lived with the device for breathing after paralysis, contracted COVID-19 twice during the pandemic, and died of chronic pulmonary failure linked to post-polio syndrome and long-haul COVID (death certificate notes). She had about 25% lung capacity before COVID and had recently married a man from Egypt. The story marks a historic era when polio and iron lungs were common, before polio was eliminated in the U.S. by 1979.
Martha Lillard, diagnosed with polio at age five and dependent on an iron lung for decades, died June 26 in Oklahoma at 78, becoming the last U.S. polio patient to use the device. Her death certificate lists chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome, with long-haul COVID cited as a contributing factor. Lillard led a life of adaptation and independence, learning online, forming long-distance connections, and even marrying after her husband was able to visit, before spending years mostly at home due to breathing difficulties.
Martha Lillard, who contracted polio at age 5 and spent much of her life in an iron lung, died in Shawnee, Oklahoma on June 26 at 78. She was the last U.S. polio patient to rely on the iron lung, defying doctors’ early predictions, and her sister says long-haul COVID-19 contributed to her death; the death certificate lists chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome as causes. Lillard led a mostly homebound life, but stayed connected online, even meeting her husband after years of online chats.
As a leading US vaccines adviser hints at revisiting routine childhood immunizations, experts warn a polio resurgence is possible if vaccination rates fall, noting that polio has no cure and survivors face lifelong disability; with few clinicians experienced in post-polio care and vaccination skepticism rising, the article argues that maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to prevent outbreaks and that ready vaccine supplies and rapid response are crucial.
The reemergence of polio in various parts of the world is attributed to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdowns, strained public health systems, and vaccine hesitancy. While efforts are being made to eradicate polio, the disease still poses a threat, particularly to those who develop paralytic polio. Post-polio syndrome, a poorly understood condition, often affects polio survivors years later, leading to a second epidemic of debilitating symptoms. The author shares the personal experience of her grandfather's battle with post-polio syndrome and emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance in preventing the resurgence of polio.