WORLD Polio Day, on 24th October, was marked by members of Frome Selwood Rotary by planting purple crocus corms at Rowden House Care Home and Brunel YMCA’s Youth and Community Centre in Vallis Road.
They say, “Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of five. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system.
“Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.
“Why purple crocuses? Well, that’s because when children are vaccinated against polio their fingers are dyed with purple ink.
“Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.
“Contact Geoff Cardnell 01373 301252 or Guy Parkinson 01373 8322 for further information about Rotary visit www.fromeselwoodrotary.org.uk or email fromeselwood@btinternet.com
