Pathogenic agent

Section A
1.) Identify the pathogenic agent and the group to which infantile paralysis belongs.
2.) Identify the locations in the body where the pathogen is harbored.
3.) Identify the currently accepted mode of disease transmission and related
epidemiological implications.
Section B
3.) List the various names by which polio had been known.
4.) Discuss and explain the issues of age and its implications for the epidemiology of
polio and infantile paralysis.
5.) Why did physicians and epidemiologists have such a difficult time identifying
outbreaks and the spread of polio? Explain in detail.
6.) Explain and discuss Polio as a biphasic (two-phase) disease and the problems this two-phase process produces in investigating polio epidemics.
7.) List the many epidemiological observations made by Wickman about infantile
paralysis and its spread. Who later confirmed these observations and how did he verify
them?
8.) What were the epidemiologists’ observations of Wernstedt?
10.) When was the Polio virus discovered? Explain its characteristics and the locations in
the body where it was originally discovered.
Section C
1.) What unique epidemiologic observations and contributions about the epidemic of
infantile paralysis were made by Dr. Caverly from his experience in rural Vermont?
2.) What epidemiological observations did Dr. Caverly make regarding the age of infantile
paralysis victims and polio epidemics?
3.) What were some critical thinking and observational errors regarding epidemiology
that were made by Dr. Caverly?

Section D
1.) What were the epidemiological limitations to Flexner’s work on polio? List and
discuss several of these limitations.
2.) Who was Dr. Frost, and what were his contributions to epidemiologic investigations
of infantile paralysis/polio?
3.) What did Dr. Frost contribute in the way of understanding modes of disease
transmission in poliomyelitis?
4.) Which specific methods and approaches was Dr. Frost able to use and establish as a
solid epidemiological methodology?
Section E
1.) By 1934, a great deal was known about poliomyelitis. Summarize all that was known
about all facets of the epidemiology of polio.
2.) How serious was the polio epidemic of 1934? What were the social, physiological,
and political implications and their effects on the epidemiology of polio surrounding the
case?
3.) What were the final conclusions about the polio epidemic of 1934 in Los Angeles, and
what were the implications for the future?