Problems Of Alaskan Eskimos, Indians, Aleuts

Diseases spread through the respiratory tract account for approximately 50% of all deaths and appear to be the major health problems of Eskimos and Alaska natives. TB is the major killer. There are more cases of bone TB under one roof in the Orthopedic Hospital near Sitka, Alaska than in any other spot on the North American continent. Also, diseases spread chiefly through discharges of the intestinal tract represent a major cause of morbidity. Outbreaks of G-I diseases are frequent, particularly in the spring when melting ice and snow expose and redistribute well-preserved refuse of the long winter months. It appears that the incidence of syphilis is lower in Alaska than previously thought. However, one it is introduced into a village, it frequently assumes epidemic proportions.