The Bismarck tribune., 1931-10-28
Says 1O7 Deaths Have Result
ed in Last Seven Years
From Disease in N. D.

A total of 49O cases of ilfantile
paralysis, resulting in 107 deaths,
have been reported to the North Da-
kota department of health during the
last seven years, DR.. A. A. White
more, state health officer, said in a
health article issued Tuesday.
OF these cases, 154 were reported in
1925, and 131 in 1928. This year 80
cases have been reported.
Undoubtedly" DR.. Whittemore
said, there are more unrecognized
than recognized cases."
Poliomyelitis, as the disease Is
known, affects those in all walks of
life and at all ages, but children are
more usually affected.
"CaSeS of infantile paralysis are
easily classified into abortive and
paralyzed types" DR.. Whittemore
said. "The abortive cases are those
in which the patient may be but
slightly i'll for short time, with in
definite symptoms such as those
which would accompany "cold" OF
influenza. Paralytic or proven cases
occur sporadically, yet practically
every investigation of an outbreak Of
such cases is associated with So
called epidemic of "colds" or FLU
in the community.
1.-THE infectious agent or cause Is
q virus of which but little is known
The disease is supposed to be usually
transmitted by discharges from the
nose, throat and bowels. Healthy
carriers" of the disease, flies, mill;
and dust also serve to transmit It
Like typhoid fever it is spread In
more than one way. The mild ano
missed cases (abortive) continue te
spread the disease.
1.-The incubation period is assumed
to be short, believed to be from three
to IA days, most commonly seven.
Attack Confers Immunity
"An attack of the disease confers
a high degree Of immunity and sec.
Ond attacks are unknown.
"Infantile paralysis is not thought
to be communicable for more than q
days from the onset of the disease
yet it may precede the onset of ths
clinical symptoms by several days.
1T is a warm weather disease, We
It spares warm countries, very few
cases having been reported from thu
tropics. It's recurrence can be de-
pended upon, yet a community hav
ing an epidemic one year is sparet
the next.
This disease does not, as a rule
spread in families. It is estimated
that less than five per cent of fani
lies attacked have more than on
case. When more than one case doe
occur in the same family the onset
usually simultaneous, therefore indl
eating common source.
Until recently the prevention an
treatment of this dread disease wa
very obscure, but now, thanks t
medical science, it is highly success
full. The early recognition of the dis
ease, even before paralysis develop
in the more severe cases (Which a
q rule occurs about the third day
can be determined by laboratory ex
animation Of the spinal fluid. Whe
q diagnosis Is made, in advance G
the paralysis, serum can be admin
3Stered which In the vast majority G
cases will prevent the paralysis.
This serum is made from the bloc
of those who have recovered from tn
disease and is known as convalescer
infantile paralysis serum. But
small amount of blood is necessary
make several doses of the serum. TIL
method Of its preparation is so sim
pie that any physician can withdra
the blood from the convalescent an
prepare it within few hours, with
out special laboratory equipment. A
rule, but two or three doses of tn
serum are necessary to affect a cur