THE MINISINK EPIDEMIC. 17 



A detailed statement was not received from 3 of the 17 cases, but 

 the information was obtained from personal visits, and all three of 

 the cases ate oysters. The period of incubation was within the 

 proper limits, and the cases were diagnosed by competent physicians 

 as typhoid fever. In most instances Widal's test was made, with 

 positive results in each case. 



Length of illness due to gastroenteritis {diarrhea). 

 Number of guests. Weeks. 



1 6 



1 4 



4 - 3 



14 2 



11 - 1 



1 ^5 



6 4 



4 3 



3 - 2 



One of the guests who ate oysters at the Minisink banquet and 

 had diarrhea died one week following the banquet. She had 

 chronic kidney disease and her death was doubtless hastened by 

 the severe diarrhea. Before the banquet, and for three days after- 

 wards, she was in her usual health, but with the onset of diarrhea 

 she rapidly collapsed. Her husband was one of the 17 who had 

 typhoid fever. 



Since the illnesses reported to the health officer and physicians 

 were wholly confined to the Mnisink banquet, no cases having 

 occurred among the guests at the four other dinners, a study of the 

 menu served at this banquet was considered one of the first essentials. 

 However, before going into a detailed consideration of the menu, a 

 general discussion of Goshen and its surroundings is deemed advisable. 



GOSHEN WATER SUPPLY. 



When an epidemic of gastrointestinal disease breaks out in any 

 community, the first thought is to examine the water supply. Goshen 

 is located about 60 miles from New York City on the Erie Railroad, 

 and the water for this town of 3,000 or more inhabitants is furnished 

 by a general impounded lake supply and by numerous private wells. 



According to the State board of health reports, the general supply 

 at times shows some evidence of surface pollution. The source of 

 this contamination, according to the local health officer, is probably 

 a barnyard located on the watershed of the reservoir. 



All of the water used at the Minisink banquet, both for drinking 

 puq:)Oses and for washing the oyster shells, came from the weU near 

 Music Hall. This well is moderately shallow, with an open top, and 

 the water is drawn by an endless chain pump. It is located quite 



1 Days. 



