Medicine: Capsules, Mar. 9, 1959

¶The danger of severe outbreaks of paralytic poliomyelitis is greater this year than last because of public apathy about getting Salk shots, experts warned at a Manhattan meeting called by the National Health Council. Manufacturers are having to destroy tons of vaccine, outdated because of the demand lag. Most exposed age group: children under one year old (only 29% vaccinated), while fewer than 50% under five have had three shots. Best protected are children from five to 14. There is a big drop in vaccinations in the upper teens, but the worst is in the 20-39 age group with 27 million (60%) unvaccinated. Besides nationwide campaigns, authorities decided on crash programs in known soft spots where epidemics like last year's in Detroit are feared, especially in low-income groups.

¶ After strenuous but unpromising efforts to wipe out the fire ant, which first invaded the South and is now spreading (TIME, March 18, 1957), Louisiana State University scientists reported hopes of turning the pest to medical advantage. Its venom, they said, kills not only insects but also mites (resistant to most insecticides) and, more surprisingly, contains a potent substance like an antibiotic that kills many bacteria and molds.

¶ The direct mouth-to-mouth method of artificial respiration (TIME, April 21) won approval of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council as a standard for all first-aid efforts. Already adopted by the U.S. Army, and with prompt endorsement by the American Red Cross expected, it will probably replace the prone-pressure and back-pressure-arm-lift systems.