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American Experience  The Polio Crusade

In the 1950's a Polio outbreak swept the U.S., devastating communities nationwide.

 
 

Program: American Experience

Episode: The Polio Crusade

In the summer of 1950 Wytheville, VA realized the nation's worst medical fears. An outbreak of Infantile Paralysis, commonly known as Polio, swept through a small town of 5,500 in which 40 percent of residents had not yet reached their eighteenth birthday. Highly contagious, just in time for summer vacation, the devastating neurodegenerative disease had chosen its next target.

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Duration: (53:25)
Premiere Date: 02/02/2009
Episode Expires: Wed 01 Feb 2012
TV Rating: TV-PG

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