74 ALASKA FISHERIES AND FUR INDUSTRIES IN 1915. 
influenza broke out, first among the native workmen, reached its height July 19, when 
38 people were on the sick list, and began to clear up about July 26. Very few escaped 
the disease. There were no deaths caused directly by this disease and only one—a 
case of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis—caused indirectly by it. However, it brought 
out quite a bit of latent tuberculosis. * * * What was considered as only a “bad 
cold” among the robust men of the Navy proved to be an epidemic of influenza in all 
its forms, with the usual complications and sequele#, among the native inhabitants of 
the island. 
I would suggest that all future working parties not only have a thorough physica 
examination by the resident physician, but be quartered in their own tents, a good 
distance from the village, and be guarded in such a way that they will be kept entirely 
away from the natives at all times. 
The physician called attention to the need of a better water supply 
for the village, of larger and better houses, and of many desirable 
changes and improvements which would be conducive to better 
health conditions. 
St. George Island.—The report of the physician for the fiscal year 
ended June 30, 1915, showed that the general health of the com- 
munity had been good. Most of the cases treated had been of gastro- 
intestinal and pulmonary character. Monthly inspections were made 
of the natives’ houses and the surroundings, and the sources of water 
supply were also inspected from time to time as deemed necessary. 
Sanitary conditions, with the exception of overcrowding in the houses, 
were satisfactory. During this period there were five births. One 
death occurred, that of an infant, from inanition. | 
WATER SUPPLY. 
Almost every person who has visited the Pribilof Islands has spoken 
of the inadequate water supply. The situation on St. Paul is much 
less satisfactory than on St. George and will be discussed first. 
St. Paul Island.—The present water supply on St. Paul Island is 
derived chiefly from two small wells, one about three-eighths and the 
other about five-eighths of a mile from the village near the eastern shore 
of the salt lagoon. Although it is possible to get along after a fashion 
with these arrangements, other means ought to be taken to provide a 
good supply of fresh water. The present necessity for husbanding 
the supply of water makes it almost impossible at times for the natives 
to keep themselves or their homes in proper condition. At one of the 
wells the Navy Department has installed a small gasoline engine and 
pump, which lifts water to two 20,000-gallon tanks on the hill above 
the village. These tanks were built two or three years ago, but last 
winter was the first time that the service was satisfactory. From 
the tanks water is piped to the village and to the radio station. The 
tanks and pipe line belong to the Bureau, but the Navy Depart- 
ment attends to the matter of pumping, in return for which it has 
Do) 
the privilege of using water needed at the radio station. 
