Evening star., 1921-08-05

Cases of the Disease and Deaths
Less This Year Than the Annual
Average for Seven Years.
Denial that there is condition ap-
preaching famine or plague In the
unanimously adopted by health officials
from dozen southern states in con-
ference here with Surgeon General Cum
ming Of the public health service to dis
cuss the pellegara situation. The re-
port held that statements erroneous
and misleading" had been made to the
public.
incorporated in the report as prepared
by committee of five health commits
sioners. that I'VE do not regard the
at the present time than during the past
several years." was eliminated at the
suggestion Of Dr. Olin West. Tennessee
health commissioner
Another clause that there is no oc-
casion for extending charitable meas
SO far as any state is concerned
where pellagra Is prevalent" also was
stricken out. DR.. w. S. Rankin. health
officer of North Carolina, contending
that it would be a reflection on the
south to make any reference to the
possibility of charitable relief.
The report emphasized the necessity
of anording federal. state and local
health agencies sufficient funds to
cope with health conditions gener-
ally.
Text of the Report.
AS adopted the text of the report was
as follows:
State health officers of the southern
states, in conference at the request of
the surgeon general of the United
States public health service. deplore
the fact that an impression has been
created that famine conditions exist
in the south and as a result that
pellagra has increased to an alarming
extent.
After making an Investigation,
using all information available. we do
not believe the situation warrants or
should occasion any undue alarm. The
Indications are that there will be an
increase in pellagra this year in locali-
ties in certain states where the disease
has been endemic, but datak In hand
show In an unmistakable way that the
number of cases ana deaths from
peilagra during 1921 will still be less
than the annual average during the
period Of 1914 to 1921. ;
In other words. 1t is fully substan-
tiated by facts in hand that pellagra
has steadily decreased in the southern
states during previous years. In
drawing conclusions relative to the
actual control of any disease COM
iva IN n.
less an analysis is made for period
of years, not less than five, and pref
erably ten.
Plague or Famine Not Threatened.
There is no condition approaching
a famine or plague in the south. 1t is
obvious that this is a clear case of
misinterpretation of terms. an incor-
rect analysis. and. as a result, state
ments have been made that are erro-
neous and misleading to the public.
I'VE re11Fe that pellagra requires
sGd and that the the solution Of the peliasra
problem depends upon sane educa-
tional methods. The whole question
is one that should be approached as
public health problem and dealt
with by a yell defined plan.
There can be no doubt that there
will be an increase in the prevalence
Of tuberculosis. pellagra and other
diseases during the next few years as
result of the economic depression
throughout the entire ountry unless
federal. state and local health de-
partments are given adequate financial
cial support and cooperation in direct
ing intensive public health education
and in the establishment and main
tenance Of local health organizations
which are fundamental in the preven-
tion and control of all disease and
the promotion of the public health"
Division Of Opinion.
The health officers were evenly di-
vided as to the advisability of going
on record that the pellagra situation
was no worse at the present time
than during recent years. DR.. West
declared that while he. resented from
the end Of his toes to the top of his
head charges that a veritable condi-
tion of famine existed in the SOUTH"
health authorities should realize the
seriousness of the situation. DR.. c.
w. Garrison Of Arkansas, took a sim
liar position. while DR.. flames A.
Hayne. South Carolina; DR.. A. T. Nc
Cormack. Kentucky; S. w. Welch.
Alabama, and DR.. w. S. Leathers;
Mississippi. were among those who
contended the situation was no worse
than IN previous years.
DR.. L. L. Lumsden, in charge of ru-
raj sanitation for the public health
service, held that the situation was
serious and said that statement that
1t was not worse than in recent years
was untrue.
Health Service Indorsed.
A resolution pledging "the support
of the health authorities and the peo-
pie they represent in the south" to a
constructive program for co-ordina-
ton of all federal, public health and
welfare activities in one department
was adopted.
The resolution expressed apprecia-
tion Of the Presidents interest in
public health and indorsed "the effec-
tive administration" of the public
health service by surgeon geo = General Cum,
state officials are in conference with
government doctors.
"The conference especially urges"
the resolution continued, that the
public health service mobilize all
other federal health agencies, espe-
tion agencies of the state agricultural
schools and the Department Of Agri-
culture, in carrying into the rural
homes Of the country the practical
necessity for better balanced diet,
which should always include milk or
milk products and fresh vegetables.
"The conference requests the Presi-
dent and the surgeon general and all
others interested in public health. to
assist actively in the efforts for the
establishment of health departments
in all counties or other units of gov
ernment. which shall be able, through
a well trained, all-time health officer
and pubic health nurses. to carry the
leadership which will insure longer,
happier and more productive lives to
all the people, whether living in the