Last US Polio Patient Who Used Iron Lung Dies at 78
Martha Lillard, the last US polio patient who relied on an iron lung, has passed away at 78. She contracted polio at age 5 and lived with the machine for over 70 years. Lillard's death is attributed to long-haul COVID-19 complications. Her remarkable life story highlights the progress made against polio in the US.
Key points
- Martha Lillard, 78, was the last US polio patient using an iron lung, which she relied on since contracting polio at age 5.
- Lillard's death is attributed to long-haul COVID-19 complications, according to her sister, Cindy McVey.
- Polio vaccines became available in the US starting in 1955, significantly reducing the disease's impact.
- Lillard's life story showcases the resilience and adaptability of individuals affected by polio, despite the challenges they faced.
- The US has made significant progress in eradicating polio, with annual outbreaks causing thousands of cases of paralysis declining sharply since the introduction of vaccines.
Last US Polio Patient Who Used Iron Lung Dies at 78
Martha Lillard, a remarkable individual who defied the odds of polio, has passed away at the age of 78. She was the last US polio patient who relied on an iron lung, a machine that forced air in and out of her lungs to help her breathe.
Lillard contracted polio at the age of 5 and lived with the machine for over 70 years. Despite the challenges she faced, she was able to attend school and even drive for a time. Her family adapted to her needs, using a custom trailer and phone system to facilitate her interaction with the outside world.
Lillard's death is attributed to long-haul COVID-19 complications, according to her sister, Cindy McVey. This highlights the ongoing impact of the pandemic on individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Polio was once one of the nation's most feared diseases, with annual outbreaks causing thousands of cases of paralysis. However, the introduction of vaccines in 1955 significantly reduced the disease's impact. The US has made significant progress in eradicating polio, and Lillard's life story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of individuals affected by the disease.
Sources
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