20th Century

1949 – Hepatitis, infectious (code 092) – 560

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 18, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–560 Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

Narrative Information

Mayo Clinic on Hepatitis A: “Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation and affect your liver’s ability to function. You’re most likely to get hepatitis A from contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person or object that’s infected. Mild cases of hepatitis A don’t require treatment. Most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. Practicing good hygiene, including washing hands frequently, is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A. Vaccines are available for people most at risk…

Hepatitis A signs and symptoms typically don’t appear until you’ve had the virus for a few weeks. But not everyone with hepatitis A develops them. If you do, hepatitis signs and symptoms can include:

Fatigue
Sudden nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs (by your liver)
Clay-colored bowel movements
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Dark urine
Joint pain
Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
Intense itching

“These symptoms may be relatively mild and go away in a few weeks. Sometimes, however, hepatitis A infection results in a severe illness that lasts several months….

“Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects liver cells and causes inflammation. The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other signs and symptoms of hepatitis A. The virus most commonly spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with fecal matter, even just tiny amounts. It does not spread through sneezing or coughing.

“Here are some of the specific ways the hepatitis A virus can spread:

Eating food handled by someone with the virus who doesn’t thoroughly wash his or her hands after using the toilet.

Drinking contaminated water.

Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage.

Being in close contact with a person who’s infected — even if that person has no signs or symptoms.

Having sex with someone who has the virus….”

(Mayo Clinic. Hepatitis A. Accessed 11-3-2018 at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-a/symptoms-causes/syc-20367007 )

NIH on Hepatitis (Viral): “Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Inflammation is swelling that occurs when tissues of the body become injured or infected. Inflammation can damage organs. Researchers have discovered several different viruses that cause hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

“Hepatitis A and hepatitis E typically spread through contact with food or water that has been contaminated by an infected person’s stool….

“The hepatitis A and E viruses typically cause only acute, or short-term, infections. In an acute infection, your body is able to fight off the infection and the virus goes away.

Sources

Mayo Clinic. Hepatitis A. Accessed 11-3-2018 at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-a/symptoms-causes/syc-20367007

National Institutes of Health. “What Is Viral Hepatitis?” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, May 2017. Accessed 10-11-2018 at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/what-is-viral-hepatitis

Public Health Service, Federal Security Agency. Vital Statistics of the United States 1949. Part II, Natality and Mortality Data for the United States Tabulated by Place of Residence. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, 1951. Accessed 9-18-2023 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1949_2.pdf

Text content

20th Century

1949 – Diphtheria, code 055 — 574

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 18, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–574 Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

Narrative Information

Diphtheria, CDC: “Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by a toxin (poison) made by bacteria. It causes a thick coating in the back of the nose or throat that makes it hard to breathe or swallow. It can be deadly. The DTaP vaccine protects against diphtheria….Diphtheria starts like a cold, with sore throat, mild fever (101 degrees or less), and chills. Next, the diphtheria toxin makes a thick coating on the back of the nose or throat. It may be blue or grayish green. The coating makes it hard to breathe or swallow…The coating on the throat can get so thick that it blocks the airway, so the person can’t breathe.

“The diphtheria toxin can attack the heart, causing abnormal heart rhythms and even heart failure. It can also attack the nerves, which leads to paralysis (unable to move parts of the body). About 1 out of 10 people who get diphtheria dies. In children younger than 5 years, as many as 1 out of 5 children who get diphtheria dies.

“How does diphtheria spread? Diphtheria spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can spread the disease for up to 2 weeks after infection.

“What is the DTaP vaccine? The DTaP vaccine is a shot that combines the vaccines for diphtheria and two other serious diseases: tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis). The vaccine helps the body to build up protection against the diphtheria toxin. Most children (about 97 children out of 100) who get all doses of the vaccine will be protected against diphtheria….” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines and Immunizations. “Diphtheria – Fact Sheet for Parents.” 7-8-2013 update.)

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines and Immunizations. “Diphtheria – Fact Sheet for Parents.” 7-8-2013 update. Accessed 8-27-2013 at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/diphtheria/fs-parents.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Table 3. (A) Deaths From Specified Notifiable Diseases: United States, 1954-1963.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Vol. 13, No. 54, 9-30-1965, p. 5. Accessed 9-14-2016 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=VPvPAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=true

Text content

20th Century

1949 — July-Nov esp., Polio, esp., NY/320, IL246, MI/210, TX/183, NJ/180, CA/236 –2,720

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

–2,720-2,732 Blanchard tally based on State breakouts below. (Choose to use US PHS number.)

–2,720 Bryant. Handbook of Death…Dying. 2003, 231.

–2,720 Rosenberg and Peck. “Megadeaths: Individual Reactions…” 2003, pp. 223-232.^[1]

–2,720 U.S. PHS. Vital Statistics of the United States 1949, Part II…Mortality Data… p. 202.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

57 31 27 20 37 94 378 867 588 351 179 91

(“Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 202.)

— 12 AL “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 203.

— 15 AZ “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 204.

— 50 AR “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 205.

–136 CA “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 206.

— 36 CO “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 207.

— 31 CT “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 208.

— 1 DE “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 209.

— 4 DC “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 210.

— 13 FL “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 211.

— 11 GA “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 212.

— 15 ID “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 213.

–246 IL “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 214.

–116 IN “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 215.

— 86 IA “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 216.

–90 “ Mason City Globe-Gazette. “Iowa’s Polio Attack Worst in Midwest.” 8-29-1952, p. 1.

— 62 KS “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 217.

— 54 KY “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 218.

— 6 LA “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 219.

— 10 ME “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 220.

— 13 MD “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 221.

— 53 MA “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 222.

–210 MI “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 223.

–114 MN “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 224.

— 10 MS “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 225.

–129 MO “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 226.

–133 “ Mason City Globe-Gazette IA. “Iowa’s Polio…Worst in Midwest.” 8-29-1952, p. 1.

— 13 MT “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 227.

— 49 NE “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 228.

— 2 NV “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 229.

— 9 NH “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 230.

–180 NJ “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 231.

— 19 NM “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 232.

–320 NY “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 233.

— 12 NC “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 234.

— 19 ND “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 235.

–23 “ Tweton. “North Dakota and the Polio Killer Virus. North Dakota Studies. Oct 1965.

–102 OH “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 236.

–109 OK “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 237.

— 23 OR “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 238.

— 77 PA “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 239.

— 1 RI “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 240.

— 9 SC “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 241.

— 28 SD “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 242.

— 33 TN “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 243.

–183 TX “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 244.

“ — 28 San Angelo, May 20–late Aug. Oshinsky 2005, 4.

— 9 UT “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 245.

— 5 VE “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 246.

— 17 VA “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 247.

— 35 WA “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 248.

— 15 WV “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 249.

— 73 WI “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 250.

— 10 WY “Table 21. Deaths From 64…Causes, by Month: [US] and Each State, 1949.” p. 251.

Narrative Information

North Dakota

Tweton: “In 1949 national cases reached an all-time high: 42,000—one for each 3,775 people. Life magazine labeled polio the nation’s leading death threat, calling it “sudden,” “capricious,” and “uncontrollable.” In North Dakota of the 451 cases, 23 died. Polio here attacked about one in 5,000 people, less than the national average.” (Tweton, Dr. D. Jerome. “North Dakota and the Polio Killer Virus: An Investigative Report.” Bismarck, ND, North Dakota Studies. Oct 1965.)

Texas

“On May 20…the newspaper reported that a local child had come down with poliomyelitis. San Angelo had endured minor outbreaks before. The disease touched down in the late spring, like hailstorms and tornadoes, but had never really spread. There was mild concern, nothing more. Within days, concern had turned to alarm. Parents began arriving at Shannon Memorial Hospital with ‘feverish, aching youngsters in their arms.’ Twenty-five polio cases were confirmed by the medical staff, and the death toll mounted….

“Dr R. E. Elvins, the city health officer, told people what they already knew: polio had ‘topped epidemic proportions’….In early June, with the temperature nudging 100 and the polio count at sixty-one, the city council voted to close all indoor meeting places for a week. ‘Theater marquees went dark in San Angelo Thursday night,’ said the Standard-Times. ‘There were no youngsters splashing in the municipal swimming pool during the day. No San Angelo churches will meet Sunday.’ The lockdown was soon complete. Bars and bowling alleys shut their doors….

“The epidemic peaked in July. Hospital admissions dropped steadily. By late August it was over…. San Angelo saw 420 cases…of whom 84 were permanently paralyzed and 28 died. It was one of the most severe polio outbreaks ever recorded.” (Oshinsky 2005, 1-4)

Sources

Bryant, Clifton D. (Ed.). Handbook of Death & Dying. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2003. Google preview accessed at: http://books.google.com/books?id=3z9EpgisKOgC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=true

Mason City Globe-Gazette, IA. “Iowa’s Polio Attack Worst in Midwest.” 8-29-1952, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=100490607

Oshinsky, David M. Polio: An American Story. Oxford University Press, 2005.

Rosenberg, Jerome, and Dennis L. Peck. “Megadeaths: Individual Reactions and Social Responses to Massive Loss of Life.” Pp. 223-232 in Bryant, Clifton D. (Ed.). Handbook of Death & Dying. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2003. Partially digitized by Google at: http://books.google.com/books?id=3z9EpgisKOgC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=true

Tweton, Dr. D. Jerome. “North Dakota and the Polio Killer Virus: An Investigative Report. Bismarck, ND, North Dakota Studies. Oct 1965. Accessed at: http://www.ndstudies.org/articles/north_dakota_and_the_polio_killer_virus_an_investigative_report

United States Public Health Service. Vital Statistics of the United States 1949, Part II, Natality and Mortality Data for the United States Tabulated by Place of Residence. Washington, GPO, 1951. Google digitized at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1949_2.pdf

[1] Rosenberg, Jerome, and Dennis L. Peck. “Megadeaths: Individual Reactions and Social Responses to Massive Loss of Life.” Pp. 223-232 in Bryant, Clifton D. (Ed.). Handbook of Death & Dying. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2003.

20th Century

1949 — Dysentery, infectious, all forms (codes 045-048) –1,440

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 18, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–1,440 Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

Narrative Information

Dysentery: “Dysentery is the inflammation of the colon characterized by frequent, watery stools, often tinged with blood and mucus. Dysentery is usually caused by one of two different organisms—Shigella bacteria or an amoeba, Entamoeba histolytica. Bacillary dysentery is more common in the developed world, while amoebic dysentery more frequently occurs in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions. Inadequate hygiene is the most common cause of dysentery, but it can also be spread by tainted food, contaminated water, and exposure to human feces, for example, by changing diapers.

“Symptoms of bacillary dysentery, a milder form of the disease, usually appear between 1 and 3 days after an individual is infected. Bacillary dysentery typically begins with a stomachache, followed by diarrhea and fever. Children younger than 2 years old may develop severe infections and should be monitored carefully….

“Because vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, individuals with dysentery must drink plenty of fluids. If an analysis of a stool sample shows that bacteria are the cause, medication may not be prescribed unless symptoms are severe. In mild cases, symptoms typically dissipate on their own within a week. For amoebic dysentery, patients will likely be given a 10-day course of one or more antimicrobial medications…

“Hygiene practices are the best defense against dysentery. Washing hands after using the bathroom and before preparing food is essential. If traveling to the tropics—where dysentery is common—drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth, and avoid ice cubes, especially if you do not know what water was used to make them. Only eat food that has been cooked thoroughly.”

(The National Academies of Science. Infectious Disease – Disease Watchlist. “Dysentery.”

Dysentery: “An infectious disease of the colon. Symptoms include bloody, mucus-filled diarrhea; abdominal pain; fever; and loss of fluids from the body.” (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Dysentery.” PubMed Health.)

Sources

The National Academies of Science. Infectious Disease – Disease Watchlist. “Dysentery.” Accessed 7-29-2022 at: http://needtoknow.nas.edu/id/watchlist/35/

United States National Library of Medicine. “Dysentery.” PubMed Health. Accessed 6-16-2016 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0025025/ )

Text content

20th Century

1949 — Sep 26, USAF B-29 explosive decompression and crash near Talihina, SE OK –all 13

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

–13 Cathey. “B-29 bomber crash near Talihina remembered 70 years later.” McAlester News-Capital, 9-28-2019.

–13 National Fire Protection Assoc. “Large Loss Fires of 1949.” Quarterly, 43/3, Jan 1950, 167.

Narrative Information

Cathey, McAlester News Capital, 2019: “Near dusk on Monday evening Sept. 26, 1949, a B-29 bomber stationed at Smokey Hill Air Force Base near Salina, Kansas which was on a round-robin navigational flight with 13 crew members aboard crashed six miles southwest of Talihina, Oklahoma on the Hubert Day Ranch. All 13 crew members aboard were killed. The bomber, piloted by 24-year-old 1st Lieutenant Robert B. Black of Hutchison, Kansas, took off from Smokey Hill Air Force Base early on Monday morning for an eleven-hour training flight. The flight was to climb to 25,000 feet and cruise at 225 mph non-stop to Columbia, Tennessee-Decatur, Illinois-Birmingham, Alabama-Muskogee, Oklahoma-Sherman, Texas-Fort Worth, Texas-Tucumcari, New Mexico- Colorado Springs, Colorado- Denver, Colorado-and back to Salina Kansas.

“Five hours into the flight, the B-29 was over Ft. Smith, Arkansas heading toward Muskogee. At 6:55 p.m. they radioed in that they were over Ft. Smith, Arkansas at 25,000 feet cancelling Muskogee and turning directly toward the next destination, Sherman. It is not known why that change occurred but it did put their flight path over Talihina, Oklahoma. At 7 p.m. they radioed the command plane asking them to relay their position over Ft. Smith to the base at Smoky Hill as their long-distance liaison radio was inoperative. That was the last contact with aircraft #44-86333. A short time later many residents around Talihina and Albion heard a plane in trouble. They looked up to see a large plane circle overhead. The plane entered a flat spin falling from the sky, and plummeted into an oak dotted hill….

“The official Air Force Investigation Report concluded that the plane suffered an ‘explosive decompression which led to anoxia of the crew because they weren’t wearing oxygen masks.’….

“The B-29 crew were members of SAC 15th AF, 301st Bomber Group, 352nd Squadron, Smoky Hill AFB, Salina, Kansas. [We break the following paragraph noting victim names into lines.}

Pilot 1st Lt. Robert B. Black (Kansas);

Co-pilot 1st Lt. Harold S. Spicer (Connecticut);

Navigator 1st Lt. Phillip L. Benefiel (Indiana);

Bombardier 1st Lt. Jack E. McDannell (Illinois);

Radar Operator Capt. Julian B. Massey (Virginia);

Radar Operator 1st Lt. Thomas F. Carlow (Massachusetts);

Engr. M/Sgt William H. Day (Missouri);

S/Engr. Cpl. Theodore P. Sells (Montana);

Radio Operator S/Sgt Charles G. Slifkey (Pennsylvania);

Radio Operator S/Sgt Thomas M. Crean (New York);

Gunner S/Sgt Charles A. Jellings (Illinois);

Gunner Sgt Harold M. Hanna (Kansas);

Gunner S/Sgt Robert O. Troyer(Kansas)

National Fire Protection Association: “Sept. 26 near Talihina, Okla. U.S. Air Force B-29. $750,000 [damages] 13 killed. Thirteen airmen died hen a B-29 on a routine training mission, crashed and burned in a mountain area in Southeastern Oklahoma.” (“Large Loss Fires of 1949.” Quarterly, 43/3, Jan 1950, 167.)

Sources

Cathey. Mike. “B-29 bomber crash near Talihina remembered 70 years later.” McAlester News-Capital, 9-28-2019. Accessed 9-10-2023 at: https://www.mcalesternews.com/news/local_news/cathey-b-29-bomber-crash-near-talihina-remembered-70-years-later/article_b628cb76-8856-5333-ab1c-767303918733.html

National Fire Protection Association. “Large Loss Fires of 1949.” Quarterly of the National Fire Protection Association, Vol. 43, No. 3, January 1950, pp. 151-170.

Text content

20th Century

1949 — Sep 23, USAF B-29 takeoff crash (engine failure), Anderson AFB (US), Guam — 11

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 17, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–11 AP. “B-29 Crash Fatal to 11 Men on Guam.” Mt. Vernon Register-News, IL. 9-26-1949, p1.

–11 Aviation Safety Network. USAF B-29 crash after takeoff off Andersen AFB, Guam, 9-23-1949.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1949:

“Date: 23-Sep-1949

“Type: Boeing B-29 Superfortress

“Owner/operator: United States Air Force (USAF)

….

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 14

“Other fatalities: 0

….

“Location: Sea N of Andersen AFB – Guam [News reports have the crash on-site.]

“Phase: Take off

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport: Andersen [US] AFB – Guam

“Narrative: Crashed into the Pacific Ocean after take-off.” [News reports say on-site.]

Newspaper

Sep 24, (UP): “Tokyo, Sept. 24. (U.P). Eight crewmen of an Air Force B-29 were killed and six injured yesterday when their plane crashed on the airstrip at Guam after an engine failed on the takeoff. Far East Air Force headquarters said today.” (United Press. “Eight Dead, Six Hurt in Guam B-29 Crash.” Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA. 9-24-1949, p. 1.)

Sep 26, AP: “By Associated Press. Tokyo, Sept. 26 – Three more crewmen have died of injuries suffered in a B-29 crash on Guam Friday night in which eight men were killed instantly. Three remaining crewmen were said to be in critical condition.” (Associated Press. “B-29 Crash Fatal to 11 Men on Guam.” Mt. Vernon Register-News, IL. 9-26-1949, p.1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “B-29 Crash Fatal to 11 Men on Guam.” Mt. Vernon Register-News, IL. 9-26-1949, p.1. Accessed 9-17-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mt-vernon-register-news-sep-26-1949-p-1/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1949. USAF B-29 Superfortress crash into Pacific after takeoff from Andersen AFB, Guam, 9-23-1949. Accessed 9-17-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/2078

United Press. “Eight Dead, Six Hurt in Guam B-29 Crash.” Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA. 9-24-1949, p1. Accessed 9-17-2023:https://newspaperarchive.com/long-beach-press-telegram-sep-24-1949-p-1/

Text content

20th Century

1949 — Scarlet Fever (39)/code 050 and streptococcal sore throat (447)/code 051 — 486

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

–486 Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

Narrative Information

CDC on Scarlet Fever: “Scarlet fever – or scarlatina – is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus or ‘group A strep.’ These bacteria cause many types of infections, including strep throat and skin infections. Certain strep bacteria produce a toxin (poison) that can cause a red rash—the ‘scarlet’ of scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness that most commonly affects children between 5 and 15 years old.

“People can spread scarlet fever germs to others. Group A strep bacteria can live in a person’s nose and throat. The bacteria spread through contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. If you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something with these droplets on it, you may become ill. You can also get sick after drinking from the same glass or eating from the same plate as a sick person. People can get scarlet fever from contact with sores from group A strep skin infections.

“…Illness usually begins with a fever and sore throat. There also may be chills, vomiting, or abdominal pain. The tongue may have a whitish coating and appear swollen. It may also have a ‘strawberry’-like (red and bumpy) appearance. The throat and tonsils may be very red and sore, and swallowing may be painful. Although the cheeks might have a flushed appearance, there may be a pale area around the mouth.

“Usually the characteristic red rash appears one or two days after the illness begins. However, the rash can appear before illness or up to 7 days later. The rash usually appears first on the neck, underarm, and groin (the area where your stomach meets your thighs). Over time, the rash spreads over the body. Typically, the rash begins as small, flat red blotches that gradually become fine bumps and feel like sandpaper. Underarm, elbow, and groin skin creases may become brighter red than the rest of the rash. Doctors call these Pastia’s lines. The scarlet fever rash generally fades in about 7 days. As the rash fades, the skin may peel around the finger tips, toes, and groin area. This peeling can last up to several weeks….

“There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever….” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Scarlet Fever: A Group A Streptococcal Infection.” 1-22-2018.)

CDC on Scarlet Fever and Strep Throat: “Bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep) cause scarlet fever. These bacteria are also the cause of strep throat. The bacteria sometimes make a toxin (poison), which causes a rash – the “scarlet” of scarlet fever.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know.”

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Scarlet Fever: A Group A Streptococcal Infection.” 1-22-2018. Accessed 6-20-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/features/scarletfever/index.html )

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know.” Accessed 9-18-2023 at: https://www.cdc.gov

Text content

20th Century

1949 — Meningococcal infections (code 057) — 917

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 18, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–917 Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

Narrative Information

CDC on Meningococcal Meningitis (ICD Code A39.0)^[1]: “Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus… These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). These bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). Doctors treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. 4-9-2018 update.)

Minnesota Department of Health on Meningococcal Disease:

“What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a rare, serious illness caused by a bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis). It can cause meningitis, which is an infection of the brain and spinal cord, and it can also cause blood infections.

Up to one out of seven (10-14 percent) of those who get the disease die.

Of those who survive, up to one out of five have permanent disabilities, such as deafness, brain damage, loss of limbs, or seizures.

“What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms can include:

High fever

Headache

Very stiff neck

Confusion

Nausea

Sensitivity to light

Vomiting

Exhaustion

If a persons has a blood infection, a rash may also develop.

Early symptoms can easily be mistaken for influenza or other illnesses.

When symptoms start, they come on quickly and the person may get very sick very fast.

Contact your health care provider immediately if you have symptoms.

“How does meningococcal disease spread?

Meningococcal disease is spread by contact with secretions (saliva or spit) from the nose and throat.

It can be spread through kissing, sharing silverware, drinking directly from the same container, sharing a cigarette or lipstick, and having close social contact (living in the same household).

It is not spread through casual contact, such as being in the same room or touching the same object.

“How can you protect yourself from meningococcal disease?

Get vaccinated!

Avoid sharing anything that goes into your mouth like silverware, drinking containers, lipstick, cigarettes, etc. ….”

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. 4-9-2018 update. Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html

Minnesota Department of Health. Meningococcal Disease Facts. 10-20-2022 update. Accessed 9-18-2023 at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/meningococcal/meningococcal.html#spread

[1] ICD-10 is the 10^th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, a medical classification list by the World Health Organization.

Text content

20th Century

1949 — Measles (code 085); PHS, Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data — 949

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 18, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–949 Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

Narrative Information

CDC on Measles: “Measles: “Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Also, measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears. Measles is a disease of humans; measles virus is not spread by any other animal species.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Transmission of Measles. 2-5-2018 last review.)

Measles: “The measles virus can live in the air for two hours after an infected persons leaves the room. People can also get measles if they have direct contact with fluid from the nose or mouth of an infected person. Once introduced into a person’s respiratory system, the measles virus proceeds to attach itself to the lining of the airways. Drawing energy from this new host, the virus begins to multiply and spread throughout the body.” (Rosaler. Measles. 2005, pp. 7-8.)

CDC on Measles and Rubella: “Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can result in serious health complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even cause death.

“What do Measles and Rubella have in common? While rubella is sometimes referred to as “German measles,” the rubella and measles viruses are unrelated and are from different virus families. However, they do have some similarities. Both viruses:

are spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing,

can result in fever and skin rash after infection, and

survive only in human hosts.

“Measles and rubella can be prevented with vaccines that can be delivered together as a combined measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, or combined with vaccines against mumps (MMR) and varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV).” (CDC. Facts about Measles & Rubella. 8-31-2017 review.)

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about Measles & Rubella. 8-31-2017 review. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/facts.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Transmission of Measles. 11-5-2020 last review. Accessed 10-11-2021 at: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html

Rosaler, Maxine. Epidemics: Deadly Diseases Throughout History – Measles. NY Rosen Publishing Group, 2005. Preview Google digitized at: http://books.google.com/books?id=4hQwgOcKEBUC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Text content

20th Century

1949 — Malaria (codes 110-117) — 118

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1949

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 18, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–118 Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

Narrative Information

Malaria: “Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. In 2016 an estimated 216 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide and 445,000 people died, mostly children in the African Region. About 1,700 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year. The vast majority of cases in the United States are in travelers and immigrants returning from countries where malaria transmission occurs, many from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.” (CDC. Malaria. 6-26-2018 update.)

Malaria: “Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It’s typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream. Once the parasites are inside your body, they travel to the liver, where they mature. After several days, the mature parasites enter the bloodstream and begin to infect red blood cells. Within 48 to 72 hours, the parasites inside the red blood cells multiply, causing the infected cells to burst open….The parasites continue to infect red blood cells, resulting in symptoms that occur in cycles that last two to three days at a time. Malaria is typically found in tropical and subtropical climates where the parasites can live….

“The symptoms of malaria typically develop within 10 days to four weeks following the infection. In some cases, symptoms may not develop for several months. Some malarial parasites can enter the body but will be dormant for long periods of time. Common symptoms of malaria include:

Shaking chills; can range from moderate to severe Abdominal pain

High fever Anemia

Profuse sweating Diarrhea Headache Muscle pain

Nausea Convulsions Vomiting Coma

Bloody stools.” (Healthline. “Malaria.”)

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malaria. 6-26-2018 update. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/malaria/index.html

Healthline. “Malaria.” Accessed 6-18-2018 at: https://www.healthline.com/health/malaria#complications

Text content

«‹ 221 222 223 224 ›»