The history of medicine and bioweapons research is filled with intriguing, and at times, deeply unsettling stories. One such narrative involves the infamous contamination of early polio vaccines with SV40 (Simian Virus 40), which some believe contributed to the rise of cancer rates in the 20th century. This story is intertwined with notable figures, groundbreaking discoveries, and even conspiracy theories involving government agencies, medical pioneers, and covert operations.
Below, we’ll break down this complex web of events, touching on the key people, discoveries, and incidents that shaped this narrative.
The Salk Vaccine and the Tragedy of Dr. Alton Ochsner’s Grandchildren
Dr. Alton Ochsner, a renowned surgeon and former dean of Tulane Medical School, was one of the first to test the Salk polio vaccine in 1951. Tragically, he administered the vaccine to his own grandchildren, resulting in devastating outcomes:
His grandson died of polio within seven days.
His granddaughter developed polio but survived.
This personal tragedy cast early doubts on the safety of the vaccine. Around the same time, Dr. Bernice Eddy, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), discovered that early batches of the Salk vaccine were contaminated with SV40, a monkey virus.
The Discovery of SV40 and Its Implications
SV40 (Simian Virus 40) was an unknown entity at the time because DNA had not yet been fully understood or studied. Dr. Bernice Eddy made the groundbreaking discovery that the early polio vaccines, which were cultured in monkey kidney cells, had been contaminated with this virus. SV40 was later found to have the potential to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
Dr. Bernice Eddy reported her findings to the NIH and FDA, warning them of the contamination. Despite her warnings, the vaccines were distributed globally, reaching approximately 300 million people.
Eddy’s whistleblowing led to her professional ostracization. After presenting her findings to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1955, she was blacklisted, her lab was defunded, and she was eventually removed from the NIH.
The Cutter Incident
The Cutter Incident, which occurred in 1955, was one of the most publicized vaccine-related disasters in history. During the mass rollout of the Salk polio vaccine, one of the manufacturers, Cutter Laboratories, released a batch of vaccines that were improperly inactivated. As a result:
40,000 children contracted polio.
200 were paralyzed, and 10 died.
This incident led to stricter safety regulations for vaccine production but also raised questions about the oversight and ethical practices of the pharmaceutical industry and government agencies.
The Rise of Cancer and the SV40 Controversy
Many researchers and conspiracy theorists argue that the mass distribution of SV40-contaminated vaccines played a role in the dramatic increase in cancer rates during the latter half of the 20th century. SV40 has been found in certain human cancers, such as mesotheliomas, brain tumors, and bone cancers, though the scientific community remains divided on whether the virus directly causes cancer in humans.
Dr. Jack Kruse, a neurosurgeon, has highlighted the link between SV40 and the cancer epidemic, pointing to the involvement of figures like Dr. Alton Ochsner and Dr. Bernice Eddy in the early stages of this controversy.
The Role of the CIA, Bioweapons, and Covert Operations
The story takes an even darker turn with allegations of covert bioweapons research involving SV40 and cancer. According to some accounts:
The CIA became involved in addressing the SV40 contamination issue, recognizing its potential as both a public health crisis and a weapon.
Dr. Alton Ochsner allegedly collaborated with government agencies to “fix” the SV40 problem.
The Mysterious Bioweapons Lab on Magazine Street
In 1962-1963, a bioweapons lab was allegedly established in an apartment on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Key figures associated with this lab include:
Dr. Mary Sherman, an orthopedic surgeon and cancer expert.
Dr. Sarah Stewart, an oncology expert who pioneered research in viral links to cancer.
Judyth Vary Baker, a young researcher.
David Ferrie, a pilot and alleged CIA operative.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who would later be accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy.
The lab’s purpose was reportedly to develop a bioweapon using SV40 and other agents. Dr. Mary Sherman’s expertise in cancer research and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death in 1964 have fueled speculation about the lab’s activities.
Dr. Mary Sherman’s Death and Jim Garrison’s Investigation
Dr. Mary Sherman was found brutally murdered in her New Orleans apartment in 1964. Her death remains shrouded in mystery. Some believe her work at the clandestine lab, and her knowledge of the government’s involvement in bioweapons research, made her a target.
Jim Garrison, the New Orleans district attorney who famously investigated the JFK assassination, reportedly uncovered evidence linking the Magazine Street lab, SV40 research, and figures like David Ferrie and Lee Harvey Oswald to broader conspiracies. Garrison even wanted to put Dr. Alton Ochsner on trial for his alleged connections to these activities but ultimately pursued Clay Shaw instead.
The LINAC Device and Cancer Research
Dr. Jack Kruse also mentions the presence of a LINAC (linear accelerator) in the basement of a community hospital at LSU and Tulane. This $100 million piece of equipment, typically used for radiation therapy to treat brain tumors, was highly unusual for a hospital to possess at the time. The LINAC’s presence adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting potential military or covert applications.
The Legacy of SV40 and the Cancer Epidemic
The SV40 contamination of the Salk vaccine remains one of the most controversial chapters in medical history. While mainstream science has not definitively proven a link between SV40 and human cancer, the episode raises important questions about:
The ethics of vaccine production and distribution.
The role of government agencies in suppressing or ignoring critical findings.
The potential overlap between public health initiatives and covert bioweapons research.
Conclusion
The story of SV40, the Salk vaccine, and the alleged cancer epidemic highlights the complex interplay between science, medicine, and geopolitics. It serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of scientific progress and the importance of transparency and accountability in public health.
While many of the claims surrounding this narrative remain speculative, they underscore the need for ongoing research and vigilance in the fields of virology, oncology, and vaccine safety.
