Historical Implications of Poliomyelitis Across the Ages
Introduction
Poliomyelitis, commonly referred to as polio, is a highly contagious virus that has been affecting people for centuries. Even though it has been eliminated in many parts of the world, the polio virus still remains a major public health problem in some parts of the developing world today.
The History Of Polio
Perhaps the earliest recorded evidence of polio dates back to Ancient Egypt. Historians have found sculptures and murals depicting polio-like symptoms in those times. The virus was also described in ancient Chinese and Indian texts. In the West, the first clear description of polio was made by a British physician, Michael Underwood, in 1789.
The Prevalence Of Polio
Throughout the 20th century, polio caused major epidemics in the USA and Europe. In the 1950s, there were 50,000 to 70,000 cases of the virus each year in the US. It was also widespread in Europe and other parts of the world. The most severe polio epidemic in history occurred in Nigeria in 1953, with over 500,000 cases.
The Impact Of Polio
The impact of polio continues to be felt today. In developed countries, many people who had polio before the introduction of vaccines in the 1950s are living with disabilities that remain from the disease. Even in countries where polio has been eliminated, many health officials remain vigilant due to the threat of a polio resurgence.
Polio Eradication Efforts
The global effort to eradicate polio began in 1988 when the World Health Organization launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. This initiative has made tremendous progress over the past two decades, with the number of cases dropping from 350,000 in 1988 to a low of only 223 cases reported in 2017. The goal now is to ensure a world without polio.
Conclusion
Poliomyelitis has had a long and painful history. Although much progress has been made in eradicating polio, the virus still continues to cause public health challenges in some parts of the world. With continued commitment to vaccine initiatives, we can look forward to a future free of this crippling disease.