data on these counts as well as considerable medical equipmentwere lost in the Pacific Ocean when
the cargo hadto bejettisoned from a plane which
developed engine trouble. A return trip to Rongelap Island was made two monthslater (May
1958), and about 100 Rongelap people were again |
countedin the steel room. Details of the procedures used and theresults will be described below.
FINDINGS
Living Conditions
During the past year the Rongelap inhabitants
have become well adjusted to life in their new
village, which was completely rebuilt, with well
constructed housesfar superior to the old ones.
Aninteresting sidelight is that some of the peopie,
particularly the older ones, prefer to live beneath
their houses, probably because it is cooler and they
prefer not to climb thesteps.
During the 8 months since the people returned,
copra production was beingsatisfactorily re-established, but it had not reached full capacity. The
establishmentof an agricultural program was proceeding disappointingly slowly. At this writing it
is understood that the Trust Territory is sending
a full-time agriculturist to implementthis program.
Adequate wateris available on Rongelap from
the concrete water catchmentcisterns from the
roofs of nearly ail the houses. Flies are quite prevalent. Mostof the people still cook outdoors rather
than in the screened cook-houses built for them.
Scraps of food around the cooking area probably
predispose toward flies. The screened-in latrines
are a big improvement, andit is hoped that the
children will make greater use of them. This point
has been emphasized to the people in order that
intestinal parasites may be better controlled. The
island is heavily infested with rats and somesort
of extermination program is indicated.
The diet is extremely limited in variety, although caloric intake appears to be adequate. The
chief source of carbohydrateis rice and a small
amountofflour. Protein is derived largely from
fish with an occasional supplement of canned
meat. Thefat intake is mostly from coconut meat.
Vitamins are obtained mainly from coconuts,
pandanus(whenavailable), and fish. In view of
the importanceofdiet in relation to certain puzzling clinical laboratory findings, the following
more detailed information is presented.
Fish is the main source ofprotein. It is eaten
fresh, dried, or salted, several times weekly and
frequently daily. A great deal moreis eaten fresh
than otherwise. The liver is included. Among
canned meats, corned beefis well liked as well as
salmon and sardines. About one can (perhaps
two) is eaten weekly per person. Other meats include pigs and chickens which run loose on the
island and are eaten on rare occasions. Clams
(particularly the giant clams) are eaten when they
can be found; however, they are notplentiful now.
Landcrabs are considered a delicacy, but eating
them is forbidden at this time becauseof their
high Sr®level. (This is the only forbidden dietary
item.)
Local plant products. Coconuts are an important
item of the diet, eaten green or ripe. About three
green coconuts per day are consumedper person,
both milk and meat. Ripe coconutis eaten with
meals either as such or grated onto rice and fish.
Pandanusis available during the summerandfall.
Thefruit is eaten raw by sucking the sweet juice
from the fibrous segments. The juice is also
squeezed out and usedto flavor arrow root flour
and to make a candy knownas “jenkum:” This
fruit is probably a major source of vitamin A and
possibly C. Arrowrootis grated to form a starchy
flour, which is cooked into a mushy, tapioca-like
material. It is available principally in the winter
months. Breedfrvuit, a starchy fruit, is not abundant
on Rongelap butis eaten when available. Rice,
salt, sugor, flour, tea, and canned meats are im-
ported. Rice is a mainstay eaten three times a day.
Sugar is used to sweeten tea. A little sait is used in
cooking rice and bread, butis usually in short supply andis rarely used on prepared food. Bread
and pancakes are frequently eaten.
Interval Medical History
The general health of the Rongelapese has been
good during this past year. Six children (4 exposed and 2 unexposed) presumably hadinfectious
hepatitis during November and December1957.
No other major epidemics or diseases were reported. Abdominal pain and diarrhea were among
the commonest complaints, and were probabiy
associated with the eating of food kept several days
withoutrefrigeration. The large numberofflies
may also piay a part in the prevalenceofthis condition. A complaint of night blindness of several
months duration among 10 children and | adult
was investigated and is reported below. Common
colds, fungus infections of the skin, and impetigo