Reports of polio can be traced back to ancient times. There have been paintings and carvings found in Egyptian tombs depicting children with disabilities and walking sticks. [4]
The United States started to experience epidemics around 1900. It was not until 1908 that it was discovered that polio was caused by a virus. [7] In 1916, an epidemic in New York City escalated the concerns to find a cure. [4] Then a few years later there was a drastic increase in polio cases. The first graph below shows spikes in the late 1940s and early 1950s. [11] The second graph shows the number of deaths due to polio from 1950 to 2011. [11]
The United States started to experience epidemics around 1900. It was not until 1908 that it was discovered that polio was caused by a virus. [7] In 1916, an epidemic in New York City escalated the concerns to find a cure. [4] Then a few years later there was a drastic increase in polio cases. The first graph below shows spikes in the late 1940s and early 1950s. [11] The second graph shows the number of deaths due to polio from 1950 to 2011. [11]
Once the polio virus was identified the search to create a vaccine began. It took many years and many experiments before a vaccine was developed. Two scientists were able to create two different types of vaccines.
Jonas Salk, MD -
In 1955, Salk vaccine trials showed a 80-90% effective rate. The vaccine he designed was administered through an injection and was called IPV or inactivated polio vaccine. [11]
Albert Sabin, MD -
In 1960, Sabin's trials also showed success. His vaccine called OPV (oral polio vaccine) and was given orally.
Once Sabin's vaccine grew in success, Salk's vaccine started to be phased out. However, IPV was phased back in during the 1990s because some infants who were given OPV started to be infected after the first dose. Since 2000, an improved IPV version is used instead of any OPV in the United States. [11] OPV is still used in other countries.
In 1960, Sabin's trials also showed success. His vaccine called OPV (oral polio vaccine) and was given orally.
Once Sabin's vaccine grew in success, Salk's vaccine started to be phased out. However, IPV was phased back in during the 1990s because some infants who were given OPV started to be infected after the first dose. Since 2000, an improved IPV version is used instead of any OPV in the United States. [11] OPV is still used in other countries.
With the formation of the GPEI (Global Polio Eradication Initiative) in 1988, the number of polio cases have significantly dropped. Polio has been eradicated from nearly every country on the globe due to their efforts.