TYPHOID FEVEK IN DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 
49 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS ON PREMISES. 
One hundred and ninety-seven cases occurred among persons living 
at houses where there were dogs, 266 cases at houses where there were 
cats, 8 at houses where there were guinea pigs, 7 at houses where there 
were rabbits, 1 at houses where there were pet mice, 36 at houses 
vdiere there were horses, 7 at houses where there were cows, 5 at 
houses where there were hogs, 2 at houses where there were goats, 133 
at houses where there were chickens, 3 at houses where there were 
ducks, 1 at houses where there were turkeys, 32 at houses where 
there were canary birds, 1 at houses where there were mocking birds, 
and 1 at houses where there were parrots. 
To discuss what part, if any, in the spread of the infection was 
played by domestic animals would be mere speculation. In some 
instances, where cats were seen lounging in water-closets on the seats 
soiled with feces, and into which closets the stools of typhoid fever 
patients were being emptied from time to time vdthout previous 
disinfection, the possibility of cats conveying the infection was 
recognized. In three cases histories were given that the patients, 
withm two or three weeks before they became ill, were taking care of 
pet cats which had sickened and died of some disease the nature of 
which had not been recognized. 
In one case the patient, during the thirty days just prior to onset 
of illness, handled pigeons which had died of an epidemic disease. 
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. 
In only 401 cases could positive statements regarding the eating of 
uncooked vegetables be obtained. Of these, 302 were stated to have 
eaten uncooked vegetables, such as tomatoes, lettuce, or celery, and 99 
not to have done so. 
On account of the complex condition of the provision business in 
the District of Columbia it was not possible to trace the fruits and 
vegetables used by the cases investigated to any particular farm or 
place. 
The free exposure to flies of fruits and vegetables in the stalls of 
the large markets of Washington was noted. The possibility of 
foodstuffs, not only fruits and vegetables but also meats, becoming 
infected by flies, etc., must be kept in mind. 
29643—07 4 
