Trachoma Among The Southwestern Indians

Trachoma is still a common affliction of Indians in the Southwestern United States. About 15% of 2,522 Pueblo Indians seen and 23% of 1,126 Navaho school children had the disease. Among the Pueblos, the adults had much higher rates than the children, which may be attributed to the fact that they were more heavily exposed during childhood than the present generation. Almost 18% of the adolescent Navaho children examined had active trachoma, an indication that this tribe is heavily infected. Spread of the disease in homes and schools is probably enhanced by overcrowding and inadequate water supplies. Tables. Bar chart. Bibliography.