PLAGUE ERADICATION IN PORTO RICO

Abstract

Plague was reported present in San Juan by the local authorities June 19, four days after the first suspicious case was observed, a promptness of action unprecedented in the history of plague. A general cleaning up of the city followed, and tons of rubbish were removed. In response to a request from the acting governor, United States Public Health Service officers experienced in plague work were at once sent to San Juan by Surgeon-General Rupert Blue, and formulated a plan for the eradication of the infection from the island. Before discussing eradicative work in Porto Rico and the epidemiologic features connected therewith, it may be of interest to refer to several features concerning antiplague measures which were considered. The particularly striking aspect of plague infection is the tenacity with which the infection among rodents will cling to a place. This condition obtains seemingly irrespective of social or climatic environment or