A survey of the 1944 epidemic of poliomyelitis in Maryland, with data concerning the sincidence, the mortality, and the morbidity in relation to age, sex, and the types of the disease, has been compared with a survey of the 1941 epidemic in Maryland. The results of the two epidemics were similar, except that slightly more patients had residual involvement in 1944.
Approximately 80 per cent. of the patients obtained a good recovery, and apparently treatment aids in attaining maximum recovery. Treatment should be carefully supervised and guided by muscle examinations to minimize the residual involvement in those who do not make a good recovery.
Supportive treatment is important. Delay in recovery and persistence of weakness have been observed in patients allowed to fatigue muscles by overtreatment, too much activity, or lack of necessary support. Treatment given without regard to the protection of muscles results in a greater degree of residual involvement and more deformities.