The investigations here reported are part of a study of colds in isolated communities under different environmental conditions. The results of previous investigations in Alabama and Labrador have been published (1,2,3). This third field study was conducted in St. John, one of the Virgin Islands.Our field laboratory was established at Cruz Bay on April 18, 1929, and observations were continued for 1 year. The same bacteriological technique that had been developed in the previous field studies was followed, but the epidemiological data and meteorological information were recorded in much greater detail and over a longer period. Records were kept of the daily maximum and minimum temperatures. Four hourly readings were made during the day, of relative humidity and barometric pressure; and daily rainfall was recorded.Early in the work, our field staff was put in charge of all medical service on the island, and two small dirties were established where free advice and treatment were given. Through these clinics we obtained a general knowledge of all illness in St. John during the year. In addition, a group of 232 persons in the environs of Cruz Bay was selected for special study. By frequent regular house-to-house visits to these persons a fairly accurate census was obtained of all cases of acute colds which occurred.
Typography and Type of PopulationIncidence of "Colds"St. John, which is typical of the smaller islands of the West Indian group, is mountainous and about 12 miles in length. It has a permanent population of 733
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