may 23, 1952 - >58000 Cases of Polio; Worst US Outbreak
Description:
Polio has only been a major health concern in the last hundred years. A virus that spreads from feces to oral routes, it has a low fatality rate and only 28% of people infected will show symptoms. But the fact that while it doesn't kill it can leave it's victims paralyzed and some even losing their ability to breathe on their own, has made it into a dreaded virus nevertheless.
Added to timeline:
Disease Through History: Important Points in Human Civilization As Told Through Illness
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