Case Studies on the Polio Epidemic, 1927 to Present

This chapter provides an historical summary of the polio worldwide pandemic from 1927 to present. Contextually, readers will understand differences between elimination and eradication of different types of polio specifically, and diseases in general. Polio was and is socially transmitted and presents moderate to severe symptoms. Because polio primarily afflicted children, lifelong available treatments and preventative measures changed as individuals aged. Since the 1920s and the 1950s, radio and television respectively have been widely used communication tools. As the disease spread, available technology allowed for the development of effective vaccinations that required the cooperation of both the public and private sector and impacted the U.S. populace and government agencies. Case study 3.2 is about how President Franklin D. Roosevelt collaborated with celebrities, public relations professionals, and business leaders to launch the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis for support of polio survivors and for research and development of a vaccine to combat polio. Case study 3.3 focuses on the implementation and results of two interrelated communication campaigns, “Polio Pioneers” and a nationwide public school vaccination campaign. Case study 3.4 is a story about the collaboration between the former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela and Rotary International to “Kick Polio out of Africa.”