Salk Develops a Polio Vaccine
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Science and Technology Series
- Categories: Science, Medicine, Health
- Subcategories: Biology, Biologists, Scientists, Doctors, Physicians, Nurses, Epidemics, Diseases
- Curriculum: American History 1951-present
- Geographical Location: Pennsylvania
- Date: July 2, 1952
Article abstract: Salk developed the first vaccine that could prevent paralytic poliomyelitis (polio), contributing invaluably to the virtual eradication of polio epidemics.
Summary of Event
Poliomyelitis (polio) is an infectious disease that can adversely affect the central nervous system, causing paralysis and great muscle wasting in serious cases. It is caused by the destruction of motor neurons (nerve cells) in the spinal cord. Epidemiologists believe that polio has existed since ancient times, and evidence of its presence in Egypt, circa 1400...
[The entire page is 1979 words long]
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