TYPHOID FEVER IN DISTRICT OF COLHMBIA. 
35 
In view of the foregoing, it is evident that at the present time it is 
not possible to present conclusive proof as to the part played by 
the Potomac River water in the spread of typhoid fever in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia. Therefore, the board reserves final decision on 
this subject until investigations, now in progress at the Hygienic 
Laboratory, have been completed. 
Although views may differ concerning the relative part played by 
water, milk, contacts, and other factors in the spread of typhoid 
fever, there is a general agreement that the successful control of the 
disease lies in destroying the infection as it leaves the body; that is, 
we must try to prevent the infection of our food and drink and our 
environment. 
Finally, it must be borne in mind that the t^’phoid problem in 
Washington does not differ radically from that of manj^ other com- 
munities. It is part of a world-wide problem. The disease is 
endemic throughout the length and breadth of our large country and 
prevails to a greater or less extent in almost every civilized commu- 
nity. There is a constant interchange of infection through social 
and commercial intercourse. The situation in Wasliington has 
therefore been considered, not only with regard to local conditions, 
but also in relation to studies that have been made upon the disease 
in other cities and in other countries. 
