New-York tribune., 1919-04-05
Fever Epiden1ics
In Army Charged
To Carelessness
Vaccination Does Not Give
Complete Immunity From
Typhoid, Chief Surgeon
Says; Men Largely Blamed

Says; Men Largely Blamed
WASHINGTON, April 4.-Charges of
gross carelessness and negligence in
preventing and controlling the spread
of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers in
the army are made against many medi-
cal officers serving with the forces
overseas in circular published by the
chief surgeon of the American expe
ditionary forces and made public here
to-day by the public health service in
connection with warning that vacci-
nation does not give complete mmu-
nifty from typhoid
The chief surgeon cites many in
stances where cpidemics prevailed
among troops, especially during the
last offensives on the Western front,
and points out tina. the occurrence and
distribution of diseases were constant
ly brought to the attention of the med
ical officers through weekly bulletins
ut would appear" the circular con-
tlnues, "that many officers utterly
tailed to grasp the significance of these
reports and warnings, a fact which
may be due to a false sense of secur-
lty, under the popular belief that vac
clnatlon against typhoid and paraty
phold gives complete immunity even
IN the midst of gross unsan;tary condi-
tions.
Orders Not Followed
Notwithstanding the fact that ty-
phold and paratyphoid fevers are cpl
demic in the United States and in spite
Of our extensive experience with these
diseases during the Spanish American
War and later during the period of
mobilization on the Mexican border, it
is evident that many medical officers
have gained little knowledge of the
fundamental principles underlying pre-
vention and control. 1t is also quite
evident that some medical officers are
grossly careless and neglectful of their
duties and responsibilities as medical
officers and sanitarians."
1t is fully recognized, the circular
says, that conditions brought about by
the mobilization of millions Of men and
the active participation in the war of
two millions of these have at times rem
dered sanitary control extremely diff
cult, especially during the stress of
active combat. The high standards 6f
sanitation and personal hygiene set by
the army medical department during
the previous decade, it adds, were not
lived up to during the last year and a
half, due to a combination of factors,
the more important cf which was the
lack of facilities and material trans
portation difficulties and insufficient
training and personnel.
However," the circular goes or,
many medical officers serving with
combatant and S. O. S. units have been
able to overcome all handcaps and
have by wise counsel and eternal vigi-
lance succeeded in keeping their units
in excellent lighting trim"
No Excuses Accented
The chief surgeon warns his subord-
mates that now the excuse "there is a
war on" no longer will be tolerated
and that they will be held responsible
( for proper supervision of the health
of troops, nearly all of whom are now
in stationary training areas or in the
army Of occupation, where proper in
struction and measures can be insti-
l tutcd and enforced.
In review of the occurrence OF
typhoid and paratyphoid fevers in the
expeditionary forces the chief surgeon
says that until June, 1918. few cases
occurred and the rate was within the
expected limits. From then on. how
ever, the disease spread through many
units.
During the Chateau Thcrry often
sive, the circular discloscs, approx
matcly rs per cent Of the troops en-
gagged were afflicted with bacilare dys
cntery, typhoid or paratyphoid.
TIE high incidence of intestinal dis
eases IN this sector" the chief surgeon
says, "was due to entire disregard o.
the rulcs cf sanitation
The chief surgeon declares that il
many instances patients. some Of whom
we're wounded, passed successivcl,
through camp, field, evacuation ant
base hospitals without any document
ary evidence that typhoid or paraty
phoid was even suspected in thci
c&ses. IN not few cases it RENAME,
Ior pathologists 10 make diagnosi
ut tnc autopsy table.
number Of new regulations re
curing all facdical officers in force
. overseas 80 report Immediately cvcl
. suspected cases Of typhoid have bccl
puni'Shed by the chief surgeon