YELLOW FEVER PROPHYLAXIS IN NEW ORLEANS 41 



was in the slums, they worked with untiring energy and set a most 

 stimulating example to all classes of citizens. The ultimate success 

 of the campaign is due to their skilful handling of the operations, and 

 is the best demonstration of the importance of employing energetic, 

 young and thoroughly well-trained medical men to combat epidemics. 

 If England proceeded in the same determined way to attack Malaria, 

 which is still the great cause of sickness and mortality in her tropical 

 possessions, the disease could be got under and a complete change 

 brought about in the conditions of life in the Tropics, a change, 

 moreover, which would completely alter most of the present conditions 

 of commerce. 



Every day of the campaign increased the experience of the Ward 

 officers, and the organisation became more and more perfect. They 

 had to feel their way in the commencement, but later their operations 

 were directed with the greatest precision, leading, as we shall see, to 

 the limitation of the fever in October, practically after two months 

 strenuous work. 



I will now insert some of the circular notices which were issued 

 to the ward officers and others, as they are eminently practical, and 

 a good guide for future operations of a similar kind. 



I. Formation of Inspecting, Oiling, Salting and 

 Screening Squads. 



This is a circular letter issued from the Central Office on August 

 1 6th, by Dr. White, and embodying a letter of recommendations 

 drawn up by Dr. Metz. It reads as follows : — 



Public Health and Marine Hospital Service. 



Office of Medical Officer in Command, 



New Orleans, Aug. liith, 1905. 

 Sir, 



There should be attached to the of&cer in charge of the Ward, as many inspection 

 squads as will be necessary to cover the territory in his charge as quickly as possible ; 

 after the ward has been fully inspected there will be need of one or more squads to 

 re-inspect the district at certain intervals. These inspectors will fill out the report 

 blank which will be furnished them. They will also issue notices to owner, agent or 

 occupant to clean premises, empty privy vaults, order the screening or re-screening of 

 cisterns should the same be required. 



The foreman of each squad should be a special officer, commissioned by the 

 Mayor, in order to enforce compliance with the order issued in the name of the Board 

 of Health of the City of New Orleans, and the U.S. Public Health and Marine 

 Hospital Service, and these men sworn into the service. 



There should also be attached to the officer in charge of a ward, one or more oiling 



