Polio Paul Alexander dies iron lung 70 years

'Polio Paul' Alexander, the longest living iron lung survivor, dies at 78. His story of resilience and inspiration continues worldwide.

Paul Alexander, the longest living polio survivor known as 'Polio Paul', has passed away at the age of 78. Paul contracted polio at the tender age of six in 1952, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. He spent the rest of his life in an iron lung, a large metal cylinder used for treatment.

Despite his physical limitations, Paul managed to study law, set a Guinness World Record for the longest time spent in an iron lung, and even became a published author. His memoir, titled Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung, was self-published in 2020.

The World Health Assembly launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, leading to a significant decrease in wild poliovirus cases. From over 350,000 cases in 125 countries, there were only six reported cases in 2021. Wild poliovirus type 2 was eradicated in 1999, and type 3 in 2020, leaving only type 1 endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan as of 2022.

The UK has not reported any cases of paralysis due to polio since 1984, but it is crucial to be fully vaccinated against the disease. Polio is highly infectious and spreads through contact with infected feces, coughs, sneezes, or contaminated food and water. Proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of the virus.

Symptoms of polio can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe muscle weakness and paralysis. Before the availability of vaccines, severe cases could be life-threatening, affecting the brain and nerves. 'Iron lungs' were developed to assist with breathing in such cases.

Paul Alexander's passing marks the end of an era for the man who lived over 70 years in an iron lung. His story inspired people worldwide, showing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His legacy will live on, as he continues to be remembered as an incredible role model.