38 phosphatase stainttPot neutrophils showed a generally normal disse:bution of positive cells, as in the previous year. Basophil counts of 4000 cells showed no increase in levels above the normal percentage in anv subjects, either exposed or unexposed, in the 1959 and 1960 surveys, except for one 6- year-old exposed boy ( =3).* The mean cent vears. However, the total absence of anti- bodies even in persons over 40 suggests the pos- sibility that it has not occurred in this population at all. but the first interpretation is equally good. The same comments would refer to the CA virus or parainfluenza 2, but here'the morelikely interpretation is that the virus has not been present in percent basophil count (counting 4000 whitecells) for tHe exposed Rongelap group was 0.42% in 1959 and 0.93% in 1960; in the Ailingnae group, 0.29% in 1959 and 0.80% in 1960. Basophil counts the recent past, but the presence of antibodies mav suggest that it had been present 16 or more years earlier. Since there is some overlap in antigens and antibodies between mumpsand the parainfluenza group, the CA reactions and/or the mumpsreac- phatase and basophil counts are presented in with other members of the parainfluenza group. “It would be interesting to find out to what extent the psittacosis group and fever represent a on the unexposed group are not yet complete for 1959. The individual values for alkaline phes- Appendix 5. Complement Fixation Tests The resuits of the complement fixation tests are shown in Table 23. In discussing these results Dr. R. J. Heubner made the following comments: “T suppose the most interesting thing is that there is evidence of infection with almost all the tions could conceivably merelyreflect infections threat to this population, and of course in the birds and domestic animals as well.” Dr. Heubner’s forecast of A:...n influenza in the Marshall Islands from the Rongelap data is interesting in that an epidemic of serious proportions did occur at Kwajalein Atoll in January 1960 re- groupsof viruses that wetested for. It is important sulting in significant mortality. generally less persistent than are hemagglutina- groups in the exposed people were, in nearly ail cases, lower than in the corresponding unexposed to point out that complement-fixing antibodies are tion inhibition and neutralizing antibodies. There- fore, the high levels of adenovirus and HA | com- - The average antibodyutersfor the different age age groups. It is not known whetherthisis a sig- plement-fixing antibodies reflect either recent in- nificant finding; further studies will be done to determine this. At three years after exposure, the low levels obtained for other agents, such as influ- slightly less in the exposed people than in the un- ° fection or multiple infections with various members of the parainfluenza family of viruses. The enza A, influenza B, HA 2, CA, mumps, LGV, and Q fever mayreflect low levels of infection with these agents, but more likely might reflect the fact that such agents have not been prevalent in recent years. Thus, one might conclude from the data that the Asian influenza virus has not yet seriously primary response to tetanus antitoxin averaged exposed.? However, because of the small numbers of people studied, this finding could not be considered significant. Sodium and Potassium Levels, 1959 Potassium intake appeared to approximatethatof Americans, namely, 240 to 100 mEq/day. Salt involved the Marshall Island populations, orelse, of course, that the complement-fixing antibody intake varied widely as judged by urine excretion, ‘“T would rather suspect from the age distribu- salt consumption of someindividuals is undoubt- produced by the Asian influenza hasnotpersisted. tion that Asian influenza still has not reached these people, and that one might look forward to see if they are involved at some future date. Similarly, the age distribution of influenza B antibodies suggests that it has not occurred for at leasth 6 to lO year: “Phe absence of HA 2 antibodies suggests thatt virus has not been prevalent in re- *In 1959 his basophil count was 2.1%, WBC 8600, and alkaline phosphatase negative cells 79%. In 1960 his basophil count was 3%, WBC 6100, and alkaline phosphatase negative cells 70%. No abnormal forms were seen. ranging from 2 to 18 g/day. The relatively high edly related to the irregular consumption of canned C rations, to which 2% NaCl is ade -! routinely during preparation. The median int..€ of salt appeared to approximate that of male em- plovees at Brookhaven National Laboratory, namely, 10 g/day. This undoubtedly represents an increase over the intake in earlier years when onlv native foods were eaten. It will be of interest to note whetherthe incidence of hypertension also will begin to increase. At present the prevalence of hypertension (B.P. greater than 140/90)is 9.2%