1916 New York City polio epidemic

Overview of the 1916 polio epidemic in New York City

1916 New York City Polio Epidemic

The 1916 New York City polio epidemic was a significant outbreak of poliomyelitis that occurred in the summer of 1916. It was one of the first major epidemics of polio in the United States, marking a turning point in public health awareness and response to the disease.

The Seattle Star July 05 1916 Polio Epidemic

Background

Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus primarily affects children and can lead to paralysis and even death. Before the development of effective vaccines, polio was a feared disease, with outbreaks causing widespread panic.

The Outbreak

The epidemic began in Brooklyn, New York, in June 1916, and quickly spread throughout the city. By the end of the summer, over 9,000 cases had been reported, with more than 2,000 deaths. The outbreak was particularly severe in children under the age of five.

1916 New York polio epidemic chart

Public Health Response

In response to the epidemic, New York City health officials implemented several measures to control the spread of the disease. These included closing schools, banning public gatherings, and isolating infected individuals. The city also launched a public health campaign to educate citizens about the disease and how to prevent its spread.

Impact

The 1916 polio epidemic had a profound impact on public health policy in the United States. It highlighted the need for better sanitation and hygiene practices, as well as the importance of public health education. The epidemic also spurred research into the development of a polio vaccine, which would eventually lead to the creation of the Salk vaccine in the 1950s.

1916 New York polio epidemic article

Legacy

The 1916 epidemic is remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of public health in the United States. It underscored the vulnerability of urban populations to infectious diseases and the necessity of coordinated public health responses. The lessons learned from the epidemic helped shape future strategies for dealing with infectious disease outbreaks.

Related Pages

• Poliomyelitis
• Salk vaccine
• Public health
• Epidemiology