data on these counts as well as considerable medical equipmentwerelost in the Pacific Ocean when
the cargo had to bejettisoned from a plane which
developed engine trouble. A return trip to Rongelap Island was made two months later (May
1958), and about 100 Rongelap people were again
counted in the steel room. Details of the proce-

frequently daily. A great deal moreis eaten fresh
than otherwise. The liver is included. Among

dures used and the results will be described below.

(particularly the giant clams) are eaten when they
can be found; however, they are not plentiful now.

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 houses far superior to the old ones.
Aninteresting sidelight is that some ofthe people,
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 monthssince the people returned,
copra production wasbeingsatisfactorily re-established, but it had not reached full capacity. The
establishment of 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 catchment cisterns from the
roofs of nearly all the houses. Flies are quite prevalent. Most of the peoplestill cook outdoors rather
than in the screened cook-housesbuilt for them.
Scraps of food around the cooking area probably
predispose towardflies. The screened-in latrines
are a big improvement, andit is hoped that the
children will make greater use of them. This point
has been emphasizedto the people in orderthat
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, althoughcaloric intake appears to be adequate. The
chief source of carbohydrateis rice and a small
amountof flour. 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(when available), 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 of protein. It is eaten

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fresh, dried, or salted, several times weekly and

canned meats, corned beef is 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
Landcrabs are considered a delicacy, but eating
them is forbidden at this time becauseoftheir

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 consumed perperson,
both milk and meat. Ripe coconut is eaten with
meals either as such or grated onto rice andfish.
Pandanusis available during the summerandfall.
Thefruit is eaten raw by sucking the sweetjuice
from the fibrous segments. The juice is also

squeezed out and used to flavor arrow root flour

and to make a candy known as “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. Breadfruit, a starchy fruit, is not abundant

on Rongelap but is eaten when available. Rice,

salt, sugar, flour, tea, and canned meats are im-

ported. Rice is a mainstay eaten three times a day.
Sugaris used to sweeten tea. A little sait is used in
cookingrice 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 ex-

posed 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 probably

associated with the eating of food kept several days
without refrigeration. The large number offlies
may also play a part in the prevalenceofthis condition. A complaintof night blindness of several
months duration among 10 children and 1 adult
was investigated and is reported below. Common
colds, fungus infections of the skin, and impetigo

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