Paragould soliphone., 1921-08-08
DISAGREE
 ON EXTENT
 OF PELLACRA
C. w. Garrison, State Health Officer, Says There Has Been Slight Increase in Arkansas.

Washington, Aug. G. Differences of opinion as to the severity of the prevalence of pellagra in the South cropped out yesterday among off cials of 12 Southern states at the closing sessions of their two-day conference here with Surgeon Gen. eral Cumming of the Public Health Service.
 Half of the state officers, ill adopting report of conditions, con- tended a clause should be included that the situation is in no way more serious than during tho last several years Others among them, Drs. Olin West of Tennessee and C. w. Garrison of Arkansas. held, however, that while there is no cause for alarm, pellagra is more prevalent than in the past, and succeeded in having the statement eliminated.
 Those who secuted the contention that the situation is more serious than in former years included Drs. W. s. feathers, Mississippi A, C.. Mccormick. Kentucky; James A.. Hayne, South Carolina, and s. w. Welcll, Alabama All the state com missioners, however. agreed that there is no condition approaching a famine or plague in the South. The Public Health Service was crit icized for spreading erroneous and misleading reports"
 Before adjournment of the meet ing the possibility of another con- ference, probably at the White House with President Harding, was dis clssed The Public Health Service, Red Cross, Department of Agricul- ture and state health officers are expected to participate if such con- ference is held.
 As adopted, the text of the report was as follows:
 Estate health officers of the Southern states, ill 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 result that pellagra has Increased to an alarming extent.
 After making an investigation using all information available, we do not believe the situation war rants or should occasion any undue r,l,- ,&: !, will be an increase in pellagra this year, in localities ill certain states where the disease has been epidemic, but data in hand show in an un- mistakable way that the number of cases and deaths from pellagra dur ing 1921 will still be less than the annual average during the period of 1914 to 1921
 In other words, it is fully sub stantiated by facts in hand that pei lagra has steadily decreased in the Southern states during previous years. In drawing conclusions rela- tive to the actual control of any disease comparative statistics are valueless unless an analysis is made for a period of years, not less than five, and preferably 10.
 "There is no condition approach ing famine or plague in the South. It is obvious that this is a clear case of misrepresentation of terms. an incorrect analysis and as result statements have been made that are erroneous and misleading to the pub lie.
 I've realize that pellagra requires scientific and aggressive considera- tion and that the solution of the pei lagra problems depends upon sane educational methods.
 '.'rhe whole question is one that should be approached as a public health problem and dealt with by a well-defined plan.
 'sThere can be no doubt but 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 country, unless federal, state and local health departments are given adequate financial support and CO., operation in directing organizations which are fundamental in the pre- vention and control of all disease and the promotion and protection of the public health"