The poliovirus causing paralysis in children was first identified in 1908 but a treatment for the disease would take another 40 years to develop. In 1947 a research effort was funded by the March of Dimes to determine the number and types of viruses and the Virus Research Lab at the University of Pittsburgh led by Dr. Jonas Salk received one of the grants. The Lab was instrumental in identifying the virus, developing and testing a vaccine in trials, and in April 1955 the treatment was declared safe and effective for use. This test tube rolling drum was a rotating incubator used to grow the polio virus much quicker than in regular test tubes. In the center is a box and vial containing polio vaccine, signed by Dr. Salk in 1955.

Heinz History Center
Pittsburgh, PA

07.24.26