1954 Johannesburg outbreak

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During an outbreak of poliomyelitis in Johannesburg from August 1954 to March 1955, there were fourteen reported cases of atypical poliomyelitis.[1]

Onset[edit | edit source]

Onset was typically abrupt, often with severe headache.[1]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms included:[1]

  • No fever or low-grade fever.
  • Stiffness of the neck and back
  • Myalgia and muscle weakness
  • Facial weakness
  • Paraesthesia in some cases

Findings[edit | edit source]

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

The youngest was eight years of age and the oldest, 47, with the majority of patients in their 20s and 30s. Seventy-two percent of cases were female.[1]

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

In three cases, there was relapses within weeks of discharge from the hospital.

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jackson, B (May 1957). "A disease resembling poliomyelitis; report of an outbreak in Johannesburg". South African Medical Journal. 31: 514–517.