Infantile paralysis

Infantile paralysis is a term historically used to refer to poliomyelitis, a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children. The disease is caused by the poliovirus, which can lead to paralysis by invading the nervous system and damaging motor neurons.

History

The term "infantile paralysis" was commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during a time when polio was a common and feared disease. The disease has been known since ancient times, with evidence of polio victims found in Egyptian hieroglyphs dating back to at least 1400 BC.

Symptoms and Transmission

Infantile paralysis begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis and difficulty breathing. The disease is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route, although it can also be spread through respiratory droplets.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no cure for infantile paralysis, but it can be prevented through vaccination. The first effective polio vaccine was developed by Jonas Salk in 1955, and a second, oral vaccine was developed by Albert Sabin in 1961. These vaccines have led to the near-eradication of polio worldwide.

Impact

Infantile paralysis has had a significant impact on society, particularly in the first half of the 20th century. It led to the development of the iron lung, a device used to assist breathing in patients with paralyzed respiratory muscles. The disease also spurred significant advances in physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine.

See also

• Poliomyelitis
• Jonas Salk
• Albert Sabin
• Iron lung