Dysenteric Outbreak Due to Colon Bacillus.

Abstract

Warren, Pa., Feb. 12, 1907. To the Editor: —On Dec. 8, 1906, nearly 3,000 persons—approximately one-third of the population of Warren—were attacked within a short time by severe vomiting, profuse watery bowel discharges and some prostration. There was no fever, and most of the symptoms disappeared within 12 hours. Warning was at once given to boil the water used for drinking, and those who obeyed had no further symptoms. Others continued to suffer from attacks of diarrhea for a period of two weeks. In no case did any typhoid fever develop. Analyses of the general water supply were made on December 8, and at frequent intervals thereafter, and the wells from which the public supply is obtained were found contaminated with sewage. The Bacillus coli communis was found in every sample examined. These wells are 60 feet deep, but they are located in a very insanitary region, near numerous outhouses