Dr. Robert Rose spoke to Mariposa Rotarians, a group keenly interested in the global eradication of polio (Rotary's Polio Plus program has contributed over $700 million since 1985), regarding the down and dirty facts of this devastating disease's pathology, and other facts that would surprise most people who are old enough to remember the iron lung, Salk and Sabin vaccines, and the dreadful fear of contracting this debilitating disease.

Although polio remains endemic only in four countries, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria, it is still a problem due to the proliferation of travel and polio's mode of transmission: bodily fluids and mucous membranes. This mode invites infection in anyone not previously vaccinated against polio.

According to Dr. Rose, the polio virus is always the same, even though some cases are very mild (flu like) with minimal complication, characterized as non-clinical. Others are severe, with permanent nerve and muscle damage including "post polio syndrome" which can and does affect victims 30- 40 years after the disease has subsided. These patients suffer various aches, pains, muscle atrophy, and a host of symptoms which, like polio, have no cure. Treatments available to minimize symptoms may include anti-inflammatory and other OTC medications.

Non-vaccinated persons should get vaccinated, particularly if considering travel abroad. Initial symptoms of both clinical and non-clinical polio are much like flu or cold. But they can and do get worse to include severe muscle pains, weakness, breathing problems, and more.

The good news, says Rose, is that the world is very, very close to closing the door on this disease thanks to UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations, and others.