You may be thinking, didn’t we already cure polio? That’s partially true — we have a very effective vaccine. Most babies in the United States receive four doses before they are six years old. But what happens in other parts of the world? Countries without stable healthcare systems need a lot of help distributing vaccines, especially to remote, hard-to-reach communities. And when enough people don’t get the vaccine, an outbreak occurs.
The polio virus affects the spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and/or paralysis. Survivors are left with misshapen bodies and atrophied leg muscles, so they can’t use their lower limbs. They must drag themselves by their hands and arms to get around.