The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1910-11-19

Before 1907 epidemics of infantile
paralysis were rare in this country.
There was one in New Orleans in
1871; and again, about thirty years
ago, the disease was pronounced, but
it was otherwise not especially noted
until the beginning of the present cen
fury. There was a marked epidemic
in Sweden in 1905; two in Australia
in 1903 and 1908; and an extensive
epidemic in Prussia in 1909. 1t is
not likely that other European coun-
tries have wholly escaped. The di-
sease has for several years past been
prevalent in Scandinavia.
The Census Bureau at Washington
has recently stated it's finding, that in
1909 there were reported 500 deaths
from infantile paralysis in the death
registration area of the United States
(Which area comprises above 50 per
cent of our total populatiOn) of these
500 deaths 552 were o.Nwhite and only
II of colored persons. The deaths
thus reported were widely distribut-
ed, indicative or epidemic prevalence
in many parts of the country. These
data, be it emphasized, relate only
to registration sources; in the non re-
gistration States the deaths thus re-
ported are only for he registration
cities contained therein.
characteristics of the Disease.
But of what nature is the disease in
fantile paralysis, or acute anterior po-
liamyelitis? 1t is an infection charac-
terized by Inflammation especially of
motor neurones in the anterior horns
of the spinal cord, though the medulla
and pons above and even the cere-
Drum may be involved. very sue
cinct definition is that of Drs. Chaplin
and Pisck: 1t is "an acute infamma'
tory process taking place in the an
terror horns Of the spinal cord, accom-
panied by a sudden and complete para
lysis of various groups Of voluntary
muscles, followed by a rapid wasting
of the affected muscles" The motor
neurones are the nerve or ganglioI
cells telegraph stations, as it were)
concerned in muscle development anC
muscular movements; in this diseas,
these neurones, if the Inflammation
proceeds without arrest, degenerate
liuuefy and shrivel up; the nerv
fibers emanating from them and whic
in health convey their messages to tn
given muscles, degenerate and atr'
ply. This process may go on to con
plete destruction of these precious til
sue elements; or it may happily be a
rested at any stage. If checked earl.
repair may ensue, and the neurone
with their fibers their telegrap
wires), will regain fairly well the
normal condition and function.
unfortunately the Inflammation is pr
gressive, the size and shape of tt
spinal cord at the points involved al
contracted and pathologically so q
tered that the muscles concerned b
come paralyzed, atrophic, degenerate
and incapable of their proper and nc
NAL function. When recovery dot
take place these muscles are apt
remain small, perhaps throughout lif
time.
The-ittle patients suffer also retar
ed bone growth. deformity of Il
Joints involved, "drop-foot," sometim
lateral curvature of the spine, sluggi
circulation, and generally impair
bodily nutrition. From s to 10 p
cent of these patients die; and thr,
fourths of those stricken who suryi
are more or less crippled for life T
disease is generally acute, and by
the greatest number of its victims &
infants and children from one to +
years Of age-though not all; deaf
from infantile paralysis at six a
sixty-three have been recorded. I
outlook is thus fairly good as to Ii
yet the severity and fatality of the
lection 6ueuate widely in various {
denies and localities; and, taking