Polio Resources and the History of Polio
Polio once crippled thousands of children every year in industrialised nations. The advent of vaccines in the late 1950s effectively ended the threat of Polio to the developed countries. Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. The virus usually enters the body via the mouth, and multiplies in the gut. Most people infected by the virus show no signs of ill health. infection can cause fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs. Around one in 200 people who are infected with polio become irreversibly paralysed.
The sites listed in this section of ABLEize offer information, advice and facts about polio in adults and children along with highlighting the history of polio and treatment, these resources and others can be found in this dedicated area of ABLEize.
The largest charity supporting people with polio or Post Polio Syndrome in the UK. Site includes publications, FAQ and details of useful organisations to contact.
A comprehensive account of the history of polio provided by the BBC. Includes facts and images including the development and use of the !iron lung” polio vaccines, areas of the world most affected and much more.
World Health Organization based in Geneva working to eradicate polio. Site offers research, data and monitoring information as well as a list of countries still infected.
Working to help polio survivors in NI and providing activities, resources and links of interest as well as help contacts.
A Post-Polio site that began life in 1997 and over the years has expanded to become a major resource of polio and post-polio information.
An official site that provides post polio health information with research details, educational downloads and polio related news.
Based in Ireland providing support, publications and details of fundraising activities to assist the late effects of polio.
Offers information, news, useful links and downloads.
Highlights the complete history of polio starting with its discovery in 1789 by British physician Michael Underwood, 1921, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) contracts polio, mass clinical trials in the late 50’s and many more interesting facts and important dates to the present time.