Documented in a stone carving from ancient times of the Kingdom Period of Egypt around 1300 BC, a man is depicted with a dangling foot and withered right leg who was very likely to have been suffering from the effects of poliomyelitis. Poliomyelitis, an infectious viral disease that was easily contracted in unsanitary conditions, has been around since ancient times. The ruthless virus attacked the nervous system by specifically targeting gray matter, tissue in the spinal cord and brain containing nerve cell bodies, which can lead to permanent paralyzation in the body. Countless individuals have been paralyzed or have died from the disease. Finally in the 1950s, after numerous clinical trials, Jonas Salk created a vaccine to combat polio. The vaccine, which was offered either orally or from an injection, successfully was able to prevent the
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Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin were able to create a vaccine that prevented the disease among millions of people which in turn allowed the life expectancy of those in the United States to increase immensely. In addition, the United States improved the standards of cleanliness through treatment centers and public service announcements of hygienic practices such as washing hands. Because polio was eradicated from the United States, Americans save money and receive benefits since there are less expenses for treatments. Finally, the polio vaccine was able to make advancements in medical technology through the methods of Salk and Sabin which are referenced often when combatting diseases. Even though poliomyelitis was completely eradicated from the United States, few cases remain in the world today. Organizations such as GPEI, Global Polio Eradication Initiative, work to rid the world of the disease once for all. Impacting many aspects of life, the polio vaccine has greatly benefited humanity and will continue to do so for future generations to
Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin were able to create a vaccine that prevented the disease among millions of people which in turn allowed the life expectancy of those in the United States to increase immensely. In addition, the United States improved the standards of cleanliness through treatment centers and public service announcements of hygienic practices such as washing hands. Because polio was eradicated from the United States, Americans save money and receive benefits since there are less expenses for treatments. Finally, the polio vaccine was able to make advancements in medical technology through the methods of Salk and Sabin which are referenced often when combatting diseases. Even though poliomyelitis was completely eradicated from the United States, few cases remain in the world today. Organizations such as GPEI, Global Polio Eradication Initiative, work to rid the world of the disease once for all. Impacting many aspects of life, the polio vaccine has greatly benefited humanity and will continue to do so for future generations to