Pioneering Polio Treatments Before the Vaccine

As a child in the mid-1950s, polio was a constant and formidable presence in my life and the lives of many others. The development of the Salk polio vaccine in 1955 brought a glimmer of hope, but before its advent, the treatment and prevention of this debilitating disease were centered around a combination of palliative measures and public health efforts.

The Mystery and Severity of Polio

Polio, or poliomyelitis, was a disease that struck fear into the hearts of many. It appeared in clusters, often in areas where flies were abundant. This vector-borne disease could manifest suddenly, affecting anyone regardless of age or apparent health. One of the most notable victims was President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who contracted the disease during a vacation on Campobello Island.

Analysis suggested that flies were likely carriers of the poliovirus. This made polio a particularly terrifying disease, as flies are ubiquitous in urban and rural settings alike. The fear was compounded by the unpredictability of the disease's spread, with cases appearing seemingly out of nowhere and clustering in certain areas.

Public Health Initiatives and Support

Each year, the March of Dimes sponsored campaigns to raise funds for two primary goals: research into a cure and prevention of polio, and the provision of braces and iron lungs for those who were left paralyzed by the disease. These efforts included the display of braces and iron lungs, as well as short film clips showing the struggles of those who needed these devices for their daily lives. FDR, the paraplegic President, was often highlighted in these campaigns.

The Polio Outbreak at Quantico Marine Base

One notable incident occurred in 1954 when polio was discovered in the apartment complex where my family lived on the Quantico Marine Base. Initially, a single case was reported, but soon the number of cases began to rise, leading to a quarantine of the entire complex. Playgrounds, recreational areas, and even the swimming pool were shut down, and children were instructed to stay indoors unless accompanied by their parents.

The hot summer weather made confinement even more challenging. Air conditioners were expensive and not available in most apartments, making the indoor environment unbearably hot. Windows were tightly sealed to prevent the entry of flies, and DDT was regularly sprayed to control the fly population. By the time cooler weather arrived, the restrictions began to ease.

The Arrival of the Salk Polio Vaccine

In 1955, the Salk polio vaccine was announced and rapidly put into production. As supplies became available, early shipments were distributed to areas with a history of polio outbreaks, including Quantico. The vaccine was given in three doses, and when word spread about the availability, parents gathered their children to receive the shots. It was a difficult process, with many children whining and screaming at the prospect of the injections, but parental determination was strong.

Introduction of the Sabine Vaccine

Two years later, the Sabine oral vaccine was introduced. This vaccine, administered by squirting each dose into the mouth on sugar cubes, significantly reduced the number of injections needed. While the initial dose of the Salk vaccine left many children crying, the advent of the Sabine vaccine brought a sense of relief.

Despite the success of the vaccines, some immunocompromised individuals were unable to take them, particularly the Sabine vaccine, which used a live but weakened virus. These cases, however, were relatively rare.

Polio transformed from a deeply feared and devastating disease to one that could be managed through the power of vaccines. The journey from fear to relief was marked by the dedication of health professionals, the support of public organizations, and the resilience of communities in the face of adversity.