Minnesota Communities

	Red Wing: Public Health

Source

Document 4

Type

Document

Year

1921

Source

Minnesota Historical Society

Size

156K

This report describes the smallpox epidemic in Red Wing and notes the ages and symptoms of those who had the disease at the time.

Smallpox & Chickenpox #11-XXI.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Goodhue Co., Red Wing C., Jan. 26, 1921. By Dr. J.N. Gehlen
History: Dr. W.M. Sweney, H.O., Red Wing, telephoned Jan. 22 that
smallpox was epidemic in Red Wing; some cases of chickenpox
were reported; he wished to have assistance.
Investigation: Dr. Sweney states that first case smallpox was
reported about Jan. 4; he thinks there were earlier cases
without medical attendance. Physicians have promptly re-
ported cases. Epidemiologist saw following cases of smallpox:

Name Sex Age 1st
Sympt. Remarks

Wm. Johnson (m) 48 Jan. 18 Vaccinated 22 yrs. ago.

Clyde Johnson (m) 20 "" Never vaccinated

Phyllis Johnson (f) 22 "" ""

Edwardine Haller (f) 12 "9th ""

Clifford Erickson (m) 13 "12th Vaccinated Jan.6

Walter Santleman (m) 14 "21 Never vaccinated.Central Sch.

Howard Finney (m) 12 "20 "" Washington Sch.

Benny Robbins (m) 15 "21 "" Central Sch.

Walter Boige (m) 15 "20 """"

Lina Heise (f) 15 Dec. 27 """"

The first four above cases reported by Drs. E.A. Johnson
and A.G. Beyer as chickenpox now appear as typical smallpox
cases. The last 5 cases attended school while sick. Clifford
Erickson in pustular stage, was seen in F.H. Erickson's cloth-
ing store. Dr. Beyer had diagnosed chickenpox in a brother
about Dec. 25 and advised vaccination of members of the family.
Public schools have about 1500 pupils; 2 have had small-
pox; 329 are vaccinated. Catholic Parochial School and Red
Wing Seminary have had no cases. Many pupils in both schools
had been vaccinated.
With Drs. Sweney, H.O., and M.W. Smith, Physician, State Train-
ing School, visited Clarence Johnson, 16, first sympt. Jan. 22.
Successfully vaccinated 2 yrs ago; no prodromes; onset with
superficial vesicular eruption; vesicles broke on slight pres-
sure. When seen most vesicles were dried, but few new ones on
chest, back, face, arms and legs; none on feet or hands. Temp.
past few days 100 to 103; did not feel very ill, no exposure
to smallpox.
Results: Dr. Sweney, full time Health Officer, seems to do his
duty very conscientiously and efficiently, having all known
cases under strict quarantine, and according to regulations. The
Board of Education, Dr. A.W. Jones, President, was convened and
passed resolution to cooperate with Health Officer in ex-
cluding unvaccinated children from school, clean up build-
ings and vaccinate all nonimmunes.
Drs. Johnson and Beyer stated that some of their
cases reported as chickenpox were the first in city and they
did not recognize them as smallpox. They are now convinced
that these cases are smallpox, and all cases will be reported.
Dr. Smith's diagnosis of chickenpox in Clarence Johnson
confirmed.

Director Epidemiologist