THE PHILIPPINE 
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 
VoL. XIV MAY, 1919 No. 5 
SOME BACTERIOLOGIC PHASES OF THE CHOLERA- 
CARRIER PROBLEM 
By JoHN A. JOHNSTON 
(From the Biological Laboratory, Bureau of Science, Manila) 
It has been tersely stated by Munson(3) that the dangerous 
nature of frank cases of cholera with diarrhea, vomiting, and 
collapse is well recognized by the people and consequently would 
be avoided, reported, isolated, and followed by disinfection of 
their environment; in short, cases of this nature would not oc- 
casion a health department great anxiety. The cholera carrier, 
however, is to be regarded with concern by health officials as 
a dangerous source of infection; for, having no symptoms, he 
is not considered a menace, and may go about infecting privies, 
food, drinks, and those who come in contact with him. 
The Sanitary Commissioner of India says: (6) 
The part played by the Kumbh fair at Hardwar in the dissemination 
of cholera infection in the United Provinces has already been referred 
to; in the Punjab this fair seems to have played an even more definite 
part in the spread of this disease. It is very significant that the year 
1903 was the date of the previous Kumbh fair. Cholera was practically 
absent from the Punjab during the first three months of the year but 
in April pilgrims returning from Hardwar spread the infection far and 
wide and during the next six months most districts suffered more or less 
severely. 
A few figures here may not be amiss: From July 1 to No- 
vember 1, 1914, some 30,000 specimens of feeces from prisoners 
in Bilibid, not cholera suspects, were examined and 1.75 per 
cent found to be positive. 
The fact that an individual is a cholera carrier does not give 
immunity. Prisoners 8617, 12765, and 30351 were found posi- 
tive on September 10 and 11, 1914. They were isolated, and 
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