In September 1959, the Jersey Shore came under attack from a mysterious disease. From Toms River south to Atlantic City, victims were struck down, falling into a coma followed quickly by death.

Manahawkin Dr. Robert S. Irvine was one of the first to identify the culprit, encephalitis, commonly known as sleeping sickness.

On the 24th of the month, the Trenton Times reported on a press conference, saying, “Dr. Roscoe P. Kindle, State Health Commissioner, said today the U.S.