Milk-Borne Disease in Massachusetts, 1927-1929

Abstract

PREVIOUS chronological reports of milk-borne disease in Massachusetts128" have been published covering periods of from three to eight years. During the past three years the menace of inadequately protected milk supplies has been more forcibly brought to attention than ever before, particularly because of an outbreak of septic sore throat resulting in 48 deaths.'6'7'8 Moreover, progress in the protection of milk supplies has been more rapid in Massachusetts than ever before. It is thought desirable, therefore, to bring previous data up to date at this time, and to increase the number of items studied. Certainly it is utterly futile to carry on an intelligent program among laymen, producers, dealers, and boards of health, without being able to present the facts about the current milk situation. Many groups rightfully expect the State Department of Public Health to be a clearing house for this type of statistical information.Questionnaires covering the year 1928 were sent to the 125 Massachusetts cities and towns of over 5,000 population, which represent over 90 per cent of the entire population of the state. Replies were received from 95 communities, 76 per cent of all those receiving the questionnaires. These communities represent 83 per cent of the total population of the state. In previous reports only communities of over 10,000 population were studied. We have found that the towns in the 5,000-10,000 group have, as a whole, been unable to supply satisfactory information relative to the milk situation in their respective towns. It is our opinion that most progress is needed in this group at the present time. The group has a population of about 400,000, and yet has a milk supply which, in general, is very poorly protected. Table I gives information relative to the towns answering the questionnaire.