The practical management of an outbreak of poliomyelitis in a small community (abstract only)
Golding, John S. R.
West Indian med. j
; 10(2): 134, June 1961.
Article
in English
| MedCarib | ID: med-7590
This paper deals with some aspects of the organisation developed for the care of those disabled by a moderately severe epidemic of poliomyelitis in Jamaica. Almost 800 cases were seen and of these roughly half were children under 5 years of age. It is suggested that any catastrophe facing a small community can be dealt with at short notice by setting up a balanced programme. The size of the problem must first be assessed, then it must be determined how much the community is willing to contribute to overcome it and then a 5-year plan drawn up. It is important to adjust the patient to his environment in addition to correcting his physical infirmity. The need for continued education during medical treatment is stressed. Without education or training that is continued well after 14 years of age, a disabled adult is untrainable for any work requiring skill beyond that which such a person is accustomed. The aim of rehabiliation is to fit a man for work as soon as possible. It is economically unrealistic to devote time and energy on mentally retarded children or untrainable adults until a community is rich enough to afford luxuries (AU)
Responsible library:
JM3.1
Localization: JM3.1; R18.W4
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