In the 1950s, summertime was a time of fear and anxiety for many parents; this was the season when children by the thousands became infected with the crippling disease named polio. Poliomyelitis is a disorder caused by a viral infection that can affect the whole body, including muscles and nerves. Severe cases may cause permanent paralysis or death. This epidemic caused great fear in many people due to the fact that this disease was communicable it could be transmitted through direct person-to-person contact, by contact with infected secretions from the nose or mouth or by contact with infected feces. Matter of fact, one individual contracted the disease while changing his son's diaper. .
Once the virus entered through the mouth and nose it would multiply in the throat and intestinal tract, then it would be absorbed and spread through the blood and lymph system. Polio is most common in the summer and fall. Adults and young girls are more likely to be infected, but infection in young boys is more likely to result in paralysis. Between 1840 and the 1950s, polio was a worldwide epidemic. Since the development of polio vaccines, the incidence is much reduced. Outbreaks still occur, usually in non-immunized groups. .
The patient's examination may shows signs of irritations, such as stiff neck or back stiffness with resistance to neck flexion. When sitting, the person may need to support the body with the arms. The person may have difficulty lifting the head or lifting the legs from a supine position reflexes may also be abnormal. The disorder may affect the cranial nerves and cause difficulty with facial expression, swallowing, chewing, and so on. It may also cause choking or difficulty breathing.
Fortunately, this disease would not live long. Thanks to the efforts and research of two notable scientist: Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Alfred Sabin. I was given the opputunity to view both of these scientist at their lab and to conduct an interview with the two.