Tuberculosis Among Certain Indian Tribes Of The United States

It is not known whether TB existed in America before contact. If it did, it was rare. The most extensive data relating to TB among natives are census reports, statistics on morbidity due to TB, and statistics on same gathered by the Indian Office during 1908. Morbidity data from 91 acceptable reports show an Indian population of 107,000 individuals with 2,836 cases of TB. Pulmonary TB accounts for 9.7 cases per 1000, TB of bones and joints of 1.95 per 1000, and glandular TB of 15.0 per 1000. The morbidity of each tribe is listed in a table giving name of tribe, address, cases of TB per 1000 population. Tables relating to the above tribes describe clothing, occupations, food, habits, climate, etc. Results of examinations of family groups are tabled . Results of investigations at Phoenix Indian School are narrated. The etiology of TB among the Indians is the result of the facility of infection, heredity, racial non-immunity, the presence of TB glands or other TB processes in the individual, exposure to heat and cold, influence of other diseases, other weakening conditions, want and debilitation, cows, non- reservation schools, mental attitude, and mixed breeds. By way of prevention, the author suggests: education, introduction of a means for disposing of infected sputum, isolation of active cases, general sanitation and cleanliness, improved nutrition, and special precautions in schools. Excerpts only. Tables.