Pittsburgh’s Role in Curing Polio

Before Dr. Jonas Salk, polio killed or paralyzed more than a half million people worldwide every year, and survivors often faced lifelong consequences. Host Megan Harris & producer Maria Carter talk through his mid-century, lifesaving developments for the University of Pittsburgh, how the disease had been terrorizing local parents and kids, and how thousands of Pittsburgh-area children ultimately helped Salk and his team refine the groundbreaking vaccine—starting with Salk’s own sons. The new Jonas Salk Legacy Exhibit at Pitt Public Health is free and open to the public during regular building hours. Learn more about his son, part-time Pitt professor Dr. Peter Salk, here. Want some more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Pittsburgh. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.