Between fear and hope. The work of the rehabilitation centers against paralysis and polio sequels in Mexico, (1940-1950)

Abstract

The polio epidemics, which became a pandemic in the fifties of the twentieth century, also affected Mexico with serious epidemic outbreaks, especially those of 1951,1953, 1955 and 1959. The disease aroused many challenges, one of them which was the physical and mental rehabilitation of people with paralytic sequels in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, with the aim of achieving their reincorporation into the community. These centers adapted perfectly to the arrival of poliomyelitis, covering these therapeutic needs.