Enteric Diseases in Alaska

Abstract

Contains an historical account of past outbreaks of enteric diseases in arctic and subarctic Alaska. Only those caused by the Gram-negative bacteria of the genera Salmonella and Shigella are considered. Contaminated water supplies and inadequate sewage disposal have been the major causes of epidemics. 206 cases of typhoid fever are recorded for the period 1807-1952, and 230 cases of bacillary dysentery for the period 1937-51, with rates of fatalities, and type of infective agent, when known. This is revision of paper presented at Third Alaskan Science Conference, 1952. Author is Asst. Director, Public Health, Laboratories, Alaska Dept. of Health, Anchorage.