Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-11-01
MEASLES IN THE ARMY.

Colonel Munson, author OF n OF the
best books on military hygiene and one
bf the most capable sanitartans In the
United States army, an IN
vestigation Of measles in the army
along the Mexican border in 1916. AS
The result Of his studies he comes 10
the following conclusions:
He believes not only that measles
ep1demics are preventable but that
hereafter they should be prevented.
He believes that measles epidemics al
ce quite as we'll controlled in recruit de-
pots and barracks as in the field, pro-
Eided that suitable ventilation and 9TH
er facilities are provided. He says that
In epidemic of measles hereafter is q
teproach to the commander or medical
pffcer concerned, a reflection on their
efficiency, n a for official in
sestigation and discipline.
Our greatest interest Is in the bear
ing this investigation has on measles
epidemics in civil life. With a strong
health department INC intelligent, will
ing cooperation by the people a civil
community following the rules laid
down as adapted to civil life could es-
cape the ravages of epidemic measles.
But we are also very much interest
ed in measles in military camps. Many
Of the military. camps had epidemics OF
measles last winter n spring. One
establishment had several hundred
cases at one time. Some of these cpl
denies ran until the hot weather. Note
what this eminent military authority
has to say-"a reproach on the com
manderH and medical officer, a reflection
on their efficiency, and a cause for Off
cial investigation and discipline" These
are strong words, but they are not
merely words.
One commander at San Antonio was
fried for Urhaf9 IJoriro n &. ori1ar,io ~
measles. A second was severely repri-
manded for the same sin. They es-
capped, not because they were innocent,
but because they were nice, easy going,
pleasant gentlemen, but wholly ignor-
mt of their duties, with no proper
knowledge of hygiene and sanitation
and Without organizing ability.
The medical officers of these COM
mands were also excused for their de-
linquencies because they were new to
their duties, unframed as sanitarians,
and, being nice, easy going gentlemen.
did not raise a row when their orders
were not carried out n their advice
was not taken.
1t was a little early in the game to
court martial for not controlling meas
les. Now that the warning has been
issued, let other commanders and med
lcal officers watch out.
The best information available is that
LIS per cent Of adults in the cities have
hot had measles. Since the percentage
Is higher in troops from the country,
let us say that 80 per cent of the troops
from city and country can have meas
les-because they have not already la
1t or because they have again become
susceptible.
' Measles is so contagious that, though
pnly a third Of the troops can have it,
It is one of the great scourges OF arm
les. 1t has always been so. Ask any
veteran of 1861.
The people should remember these
opinions of one OF the leading sanitary
authorities. They have a right to de-
nand that the troops be not subjected
to epidemic measles. If this disease
spreads in any camp the people have
the right to complain. The president,
the secretary of war, commanding gen.
erai, and the surgeon general have tho
right to object if epidemic measles
1isab1es the army.