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Last known US polio survivor using iron lung dies aged 78
20 days ago
- Martha Lillard, the last known US person living with polio and reliant on an iron lung, died at age 78 on June 26 in Oklahoma.
- She contracted polio at age five and spent most of her life in an iron lung to breathe, yet attended school and traveled with family using a custom trailer.
- Lillard defied early predictions that she wouldn't live past 20, showing enthusiasm and drive to live fully.
- Her death certificate lists chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome as causes, with long-term COVID-19 effects potentially contributing.
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Martha Lillard, last US polio patient using iron lung, has died
21 days ago
- Martha Lillard, the last U.S. polio patient using an iron lung, died at age 78 in Oklahoma on June 26.
- She contracted polio at age 5 and relied on an iron lung for breathing, defying early predictions of a short lifespan.
- Her death is attributed to long-haul COVID-19, with causes listed as chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome.
- Despite paralysis from the neck down, she lived independently, attended school via intercom, traveled, and even drove.
more...
Martha Lillard, last US polio patient using iron lung, dies at 78 in Oklahoma
21 days ago
- Martha Lillard, the last U.S. polio patient using an iron lung, died at age 78 in Oklahoma on June 26.
- She contracted polio at age 5 and relied on an iron lung for breathing, defying early predictions of a short lifespan.
- Her death is attributed to long-haul COVID-19, with causes listed as chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome.
- Lillard lived a full life: attending school via intercom, traveling with a custom trailer, driving, and eventually marrying.
more...
In 1850, Ignaz Semmelweis saved lives with three words: wash your hands (2015)
a month ago
- Ignaz Semmelweis advocated for hand-washing in 1847 to prevent childbed fever, reducing maternal mortality rates significantly.
- He discovered that doctors were transferring 'morbid poison' (Group A streptococcus) from autopsies to delivery rooms.
- Semmelweis faced strong resistance from colleagues, lost his position, and published his findings only in 1861.
- He was committed to an asylum in 1865 and died shortly after, with his contributions later recognized posthumously.
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medical history

Last known US polio survivor using iron lung dies aged 78

Martha Lillard, last US polio patient using iron lung, has died

Martha Lillard, last US polio patient using iron lung, dies at 78 in Oklahoma

In 1850, Ignaz Semmelweis saved lives with three words: wash your hands (2015)