STUDIES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF BUBONIC PLAGUE.

Abstract

Since we know positively that bubonic plague exists in San Francisco and that there is a likelihood of cases appearing in other large cities—a likelihood which must not be neglected—our immediate interest in various matters relating to the diagnosis of this disease has been markedly quickened. In the first place this fact stands out predominant, namely, that the scientific diagnosis of bubonic plague rests upon the bacteriological examination, and no other diagnosis is acceptable in this case but one of scientific accuracy and positiveness. When the plague appeared in Oporto in the summer of 1899, the Institute for Infectious Diseases in Berlin established a separate department for the study of the diagnosis of plague. Needless to say all conceivable precautions were instituted against the possibility of accidental infections. Courses in the diagnosis of pest have been given to physicians in order that there might be no lack of persons with