Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-08
TYPHOID FEVER.
IN MILITARY CAMPS DURING THE
SPANISH-AMERICA WAR.
(By Telegraph to virginian-Pilot)

(By Telegraph to Virginian-Pi
Washington, Dec. 7.-Surgeon Gen
eral Sternbers made public today 4
report upon the origin and spread of
typhoid fever in the United States mill
tary camps during the Spanish war of
1898. prepared by board consisting
of Major Walter Reed, surgeon, u. S.
A; Major Victor Z. Vaughan. division
surgeon u. S. ". and Major Edward
o. Shakespeare. brigade surgeon U. S.
V. The surgeon general comments up
on the Widespread prevalence of ty-
pboid In 1898, 10000 cases of this dis
ease appearing among the troops en-
camped within the limits OF the United
States from May until September.
During the Spanish war every regi-
ment constituting the First, Second.
Third, Fourth. Fifth and Seventh
Army Corps developed typhoid fever.
this being true of both the volunteer
and regular commands. More than 40
per cent. of the volunteer regiments
are shown to have developed typhoid
fever within eight weeks after going
into camp. and the fever developed
also in certain of the regular ree,i-
mentS within three to five weeks after
the tents went up. Typhoid became
epidemic in all camps. large ard small.
North and South, and was found to h..
so widely distributed in this country
that one or more cases are likely To
appear In any regiment within eirh.
weeks after assembly, whether on the
march or stationary. 1t is also staton
That, with typhoid fever as widely dis
seminated as 1t is In this country. the.
chances are that IL a regiment OF 300
men should be assembled in any soc
.loil ana kept In camp having the
most perfect sanitary conditions one
or more cases of The fever would de-
velop.
Nevertheless 1t was found that MANY
commands during the war were un-
wisely located that the space allotted
10 regiments was. In some instances
entirely inadequate, and that MANY
regiments were allowed to remain on
the site too long.
requests for changes in location
made by medical officers were not al
ways granted. In some instances
camps were set up In the face OF ear
nest protests from medical officers. The
camp became very filthy In general Ii
is stated. and line officers are thus held
responsible to some extent for the un-
sanitary conditions that developed The
board suggests that greater authority
he given medical officers In questions
relating to the hygiene OF camps
At ea.Jacksonviiie, Camps
AlSer and Camps Meade contaminated
water is stated to have played but
small part in spreading the fever To
guard against the contamination Of the
water supply. however. facilities Cor
the sterilization of water for troops in
the field are recommended.
Flies are believed to have been trans
mitters OF the typhoid bacillus. 1t has
been conclusively settled that com
pany badly infected with typhoid can
not rid itself of the Infection by simply
changing It's location.
Except where urgent emergency
makes 1t necessary, the board urges
that one command should not be locat-
ed upon n site recently occupied and
vacated by another. IT is urged that
the soldiers bed should be raised from
the ground. and also that the soldiers
be made to remove their OUTER cloth
Ing at night wherever possible.