Polio Survivor ‘Man in the Iron Lung’ Passes Away After 70 Years

A polio survivor, known as the ‘Man in the Iron Lung’, Paul Alexander from Dallas, Texas, US, has passed away at the age of 78 after living for over 70 years in the medical device that aided his breathing.

Reportedly contracting polio at the tender age of six in 1952, Alexander was swiftly confined to the iron lung as a life-saving measure that would become his longstanding companion.

The news of Alexander’s demise was shared by Christopher Ulmer, who organized a fundraiser to support Alexander’s care, emphasizing the lasting impact of Alexander’s story and his inspirational journey.

During his lifetime in the iron lung, Alexander managed to pursue higher education, eventually becoming a lawyer and even a published author, showcasing unparalleled resilience and determination.

The man from Texas, Paul Alexander, found himself thrust into the limelight, with his unique story garnering widespread attention and admiration from people worldwide for his unwavering spirit.

Reflecting on the parallels between the historical polio outbreak and the COVID pandemic, Alexander, in an interview with The Guardian, expressed his fears and drew unsettling connections between the two health crises.

The recent news of polio virus traces in London‘s sewage samples stirred concerns, indicating a potential resurgence despite the disease largely being eradicated in regions like the US and UK thanks to rigorous vaccination campaigns.

Polio, once a feared disease, plagued regions like New York City in the early 20th century, with devastating consequences that have since been mitigated through extensive public health measures.

A lasting tribute to Paul Alexander, the ‘Man in the Iron Lung’, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced and victories achieved in the realm of healthcare and infectious diseases.