Between the 1930’s and 1960’s approx 40,000 Australians contracted Polio. Most people recovered from Polio with varying levels of disability, going on to lead active lives.
However, thousands of people now in their 40’s 50’s 60’s and older are experiencing what is called the Late Effects Of Polio or Post Polio Syndrome (PPS). The Late Effects are a set of unexpected new symptoms occurring some 15–40 years after the initial infection.
 There are also a number of younger Polio survivors who have settled in Australia from other countries where Polio is still active, or has only been eradicated in more recent times, thanks to the efforts of WHO and Rotary.
PPS is not a re-emergence of the polio virus, and is not contagious. It is a condition resulting from years of overcompensation by existing motor neurons for those neurons that were damaged or killed off by the polio virus. It is characterised by a set of unexpected new symptoms including muscle fatigue/pain, increased sensitivity to cold, sleeping or swallowing difficulties and others occurring some 15–40 years after the initial infection.
Unfortunately due to lack of awareness, it is often misdiagnosed as normal ageing and degeneration, leaving those affected without access to interventions that can assist with management of the condition. Part of this talk would incorporate a request for financial assistance with the production of a very important audio/visual resource for all people who have had Polio, especially needed in rural areas where services are scarce.
Polio Perspectives is the newsletter of the Polio Network Victoria published quarterly and I’ve included a link here to recent editions for your interest.
Polio Perspectives
If you would like me to speak at your Rotary club please contact me.
Mary-Ann Liethof
Polio Community Officer
Polio Network Victoria - Independence Australia
208 Wellington Street
Collingwood Vic 3066
Ph: (03) 9418 0411 (direct)
Ph: 1300 704 456 (switchboard)
Fx: 1300 704 451
Email: polio@independenceaustralia.com
Web: www.polionetworkvic.asn.au
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