Announcement of polio vaccine success

Announcement of Polio Vaccine Success

The announcement of polio vaccine success refers to the historic event on April 12, 1955, when Dr. Jonas Salk's polio vaccine was declared safe and effective. This marked a significant milestone in the global fight against poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five.

Background

Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children. The virus, which is transmitted person-to-person, primarily through the fecal-oral route, can cause irreversible paralysis in a matter of hours. Prior to the development of the polio vaccine, polio epidemics were common worldwide, causing widespread fear and panic.

Development of the Polio Vaccine

The polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk, an American medical researcher and virologist. Salk began his work on the vaccine in the early 1950s, at a time when polio was considered one of the most frightening public health problems in the world. The vaccine, which is made from killed poliovirus, is injected into the patient to stimulate the body's immune response.

Announcement of Vaccine Success

On April 12, 1955, the results of a nationwide trial involving nearly 2 million children were announced. The trial, which was the largest medical experiment in history at the time, proved that the polio vaccine was safe and effective. The announcement was made at the University of Michigan, where the vaccine was developed, and was met with widespread public celebration.

Impact of the Vaccine

The polio vaccine has had a profound impact on global health. Since its introduction, the incidence of polio has decreased by over 99%. Today, polio is close to being eradicated worldwide, with only a few countries still reporting cases.

See Also

• Jonas Salk
• Poliomyelitis
• Vaccine