Why do people suffered from polio before 1955 than they today?

Before 1955, people suffered from polio more frequently than today due to the absence of an effective vaccine. Polio, caused by the poliovirus, was a highly contagious disease that primarily affected children and could lead to permanent paralysis or even death.

Here are some key reasons why polio was more prevalent before 1955:

1. Lack of Vaccination: Prior to 1955, there was no widely available and effective polio vaccine. The development of the polio vaccine by Jonas Salk in 1955 marked a significant turning point in the fight against the disease. The vaccine's introduction led to a rapid decline in polio cases in the United States and many other countries.

2. High Transmission Rates: The poliovirus spreads primarily through contact with the feces of an infected person or through contaminated food or water. Before the widespread implementation of sanitation measures and improvements in hygiene practices, such as handwashing, people were more likely to come into contact with the virus and develop the disease.

3. Limited Medical Care: In the early 20th century, access to medical care, diagnosis, and treatment for polio was limited, especially in rural areas and developing countries. This could delay appropriate interventions and result in more severe outcomes.

4. Population Density: Prior to 1955, urban areas were often densely populated, leading to closer living conditions and increased opportunities for the virus to spread from person to person. Overcrowding made it more challenging to implement effective infection control measures.

5. Susceptible Population: Before the introduction of the polio vaccine, there was no immunity to the poliovirus among the general population. This meant that everyone was at risk of infection, and outbreaks could occur rapidly, infecting large numbers of people in a short period.

Since the introduction of the polio vaccine, along with improvements in sanitation, hygiene, and medical care, there has been a dramatic decrease in the incidence of polio worldwide. Mass vaccination campaigns have been successful in controlling the disease in many countries, leading to its near-eradication globally. As a result, the number of people suffering from polio today is significantly lower compared to before 1955.