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The poliomyelitis epidemic of 1937 in Denmark: Epidemiology and clinical statistics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

E. Juel Henningsen  and
G. Rasch
E. Juel Henningsen
Affiliation:
From the National Health Service, andthe State Serum Institute, Denmark
G. Rasch
Affiliation:
From the National Health Service, andthe State Serum Institute, Denmark
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Abstract

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The poliomyelitis epidemic of 1937 in Denmark was investigated by means of information obtained about each individual case.

It occurred in the usual season, culminating in September. The districts involved were limited largely to Zealand, including Copenhagen. It is of particular interest that the disease occurred also in rural districts that were the sites of similar epidemics in 1933 and 1934.

It is noted as a peculiar fact that poliomyelitis seems to be unable to invade the whole of Denmark within one season.

The 1937 epidemic comprised 1200 notified cases, of whom 599 developed paralysis and 113 died. Everything suggests that the number of non-paralytic cases was far greater than the number of cases notified. Influenza and angina were notified with striking frequency in the districts where poliomyelitis prevailed.

The morbidity, frequency of paralysis and mortality were greater among males than among females.

A change in the age distribution during the past 35 years is pointed out. In 1937, 30% of the patients were over 15 years, and about 14% over 20 years; of those who died 45% were over 15 years, 20% over 20 years.

Convalescent serum was not employed in Copenhagen, but in the provinces 489 patients were treated with, and 400 without, serum. The principles of the treatment were the same as in 1934. Serum was given early in the disease, as a rule intravenously.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 40 , Issue 1 , January 1940 , pp. 84 - 103
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1940

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