FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2023-69 DAILY FEATURE:

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (April 12, 2023) – In today’s edition of Fun with Maps from Steve Kovacs, we learn about how Cincinnati-based research played a key role in stopping a crippling virus nearly 70 years ago today.

Viral Infection

Polio.  While about 3/4ths of those infected with the polio virus show mild to no symptoms, the rest can suffer greatly from the viral attack on the nervous system resulting in various degrees of paralysis.

That was before effective vaccines were developed. 

The researchers who developed the first truly effective polio vaccine published their clinical findings on April 12, 1955.  Jonas Salk, et al.  It was an injectable vaccine.

There were others conducting research into eliminating polio.   Most notably Albert Sabin and team developed an oral form of a polio vaccine that was then used most broadly after its introduction in 1961.  Some might remember sugar cubes laced with the vaccine being used as the delivery method.

Sabin performed most of his research in Cincinnati, at Children’s Hospital and also at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Hence, here we present a McNally map of the Queen City from 1895.  Note the Miami Canal, later filled in and is now Cincinnati’s Central Parkway for the most part.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.