Polio

First discovered by German physician Johann Lucas Schönlein in 1840, poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that once caused widespread panic around the world. At its height in the mid-twentieth century, polio crippled thousands of children and adults, leaving them with lifelong disabilities or even resulted in death. Today, thanks to an effective vaccine developed by Jonas Salk in 1955 and the widespread immunization programs, the disease has been virtually eradicated. Nevertheless, understanding the history of polio and its impact on global health can still provide valuable lessons for future generations.

Polio is caused by the poliovirus, which is primarily spread through contact with contaminated feces or oral secretions. The virus targets the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, typically of the legs but sometimes of the respiratory muscles, putting the victim’s life in danger. While polio can infect anyone, children under five years of age are more susceptible. During the first half of the twentieth century, polio epidemics would occur regularly and could cause panic among the general public. In the United States alone, there were several major outbreaks in the 1910s and 1920s, with the last major epidemic affecting the country coming in the early 1950s.

The eradication of polio has been marked by a significant effort of medical professionals, researchers and national governments. The development of the first polio vaccine during the 1950s was a crucial moment in the global fight against the disease. Dr. Jonas Salk developed the first effective vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh, which began widespread use in 1955. The vaccine was a victory for science and public health, drastically reducing the number of cases of polio in developed countries. Subsequently, efforts to eradicate polio were stepped up with orchestrated vaccination drives carried out in developing countries where polio still existed.

Despite the tremendous strides made in the fight against polio, the eradication of the disease is not yet complete. According to data from the World Health Organization, as of 2020, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus is still being transmitted. Additionally, cases of the vaccine-derived polio virus (VDPV) exist in several countries. Recent outbreaks in Syria and Nigeria show that there is still much work to be done before the world can truly be declared polio-free.

Polio is not only a virus that caused incredible suffering for those it infected, but also provided an impetus for coalitions and cooperation among public health agencies around the world. In many respects, it was a turning point in the history of medicine, fostering inter-disciplinary cooperation, research and vaccine development that has paved the way for fighting many other diseases in modern times.

In conclusion, polio is a disease that had a significant impact on the health of millions of people globally. It is a story of triumph against an infectious disease that teased us for generations. To this day, the medical community is still united in the fight against polio, with vaccination programs in place that have saved countless lives. While the disease may no longer be a significant threat to global health, vigilance is required to ensure that it remains that way. Polio remains a valuable reminder of the importance of the continued fight against infectious diseases and the great things that are possible through science and global cooperation.