Documented in a stone carving from ancient times of the Kingdom Period of Egypt around 1300 BC, a man is depicted with a dangling foot and withered right leg who was very likely to have been suffering from the effects of poliomyelitis. Poliomyelitis, an infectious viral disease that was easily contracted in unsanitary conditions, has been around since ancient times. The ruthless virus attacked the nervous system by specifically targeting gray matter, tissue in the spinal cord and brain containing nerve cell bodies, which can lead to permanent paralyzation in the body. Countless individuals have been paralyzed or have died from the disease. Finally in the 1950s, after numerous clinical trials, Jonas Salk created a vaccine to combat polio. The vaccine, which was offered either orally or from an injection, successfully was able to prevent the disease. As a result of the invention of the polio vaccine, the average life expectancy raised more than thirty years over the past century which ultimately allowed the human population to grow and also made way for increased sanitation. Causing the contagious disease, the poliovirus, a member of the Enterovirus genus, is the causative agent of poliomyelitis. Because the poliovirus is apart of the Enterovirus genus, it is spread through close contact with an infected person. People can become “infected by touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching [their] mouth, nose, or eyes” (“Enterovirus: What Parents Need to Know”). After contact, the poliovirus infiltrates the body “through the mouth and multiplies in the throat and gastrointestinal tract, then moves into the bloodstream” (“How the Poliovirus Works”). From here, the virus begins to rapidly spread. Now that the virus has contaminated the blood, it has free reign to move throughout the body freely. The virus then targets the central nervous system, specifically targeting motor neurons. Motor neurons are the cells that “control the muscles for swallowing, circulation, respiration, and for the [limbs]” (“How the Poliovirus Works”). Once the poliovirus encounters a motor neuron and enters, the virus hijacks the normal mechanics of the cell ultimately killing it while making duplicates of itself to spread further through the body. From here, the virus continues to damage the body, paralyzing victims; however, the virus is not active in all patients. People carry the virus with no symptoms are asymptomatic. Even though they show no symptoms, the virus is still able to be spread through contact. Because the poliovirus was so contagious and easily spread, polio became one of the most feared diseases to contract around the 1900s. Hundreds of thousands of people were infected, and they died or were paralyzed for life. The first major epidemic in the United States took place in Vermont in 1894. There were “over 132 cases” (Beaubien, Jason). Even larger, an outbreak of polio struck New York City in 1916. Cases included as many as “27,000 [people] and 6,000 deaths” (Beaubien, Jason). In addition to New York City, Chicago was also affected by a major polio epidemic in the 1950s. Because the city is very populated, polio was able to spread quickly throughout the city. People were fearful that they might obtain the disease, so they took
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Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin were able to create a vaccine that prevented the disease among millions of people which in turn allowed the life expectancy of those in the United States to increase immensely. In addition, the United States improved the standards of cleanliness through treatment centers and public service announcements of hygienic practices such as washing hands. Because polio was eradicated from the United States, Americans save money and receive benefits since there are less expenses for treatments. Finally, the polio vaccine was able to make advancements in medical technology through the methods of Salk and Sabin which are referenced often when combatting diseases. Even though poliomyelitis was completely eradicated from the United States, few cases remain in the world today. Organizations such as GPEI, Global Polio Eradication Initiative, work to rid the world of the disease once for all. Impacting many aspects of life, the polio vaccine has greatly benefited humanity and will continue to do so for future generations to
Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin were able to create a vaccine that prevented the disease among millions of people which in turn allowed the life expectancy of those in the United States to increase immensely. In addition, the United States improved the standards of cleanliness through treatment centers and public service announcements of hygienic practices such as washing hands. Because polio was eradicated from the United States, Americans save money and receive benefits since there are less expenses for treatments. Finally, the polio vaccine was able to make advancements in medical technology through the methods of Salk and Sabin which are referenced often when combatting diseases. Even though poliomyelitis was completely eradicated from the United States, few cases remain in the world today. Organizations such as GPEI, Global Polio Eradication Initiative, work to rid the world of the disease once for all. Impacting many aspects of life, the polio vaccine has greatly benefited humanity and will continue to do so for future generations to