en ov A& about the same time that epilation appeared in the Rongelap grcup, emall skin lesions became noticeable on the folds of the neck, ths forehead, shoulders, and arms. They appeared to be superficial and at first were hyperpigmented. As time went on, the lesions, which becane blister like, began to peel leaving a whitish depigmented area in the center. The ekin manifestations continued to appear throughout the month of March, all going throtgh the same cycle and involving most of the na- tives. The most severe cases occurred on the feet with one exception = one man developed @ deep ulcer behind one ear, By this time all of the akin lesions except the ear have virtually healed and it appears that re=- Pigmentation is taking place. Similar findings but in a lower percentage and at a later date occurred in the Ailinginae group. One American developed what appeared to be superficial radiation lesions on the back. They were hyperpignented and behaved as the cthers. pn N Throughout, there have been no demonstrative systemic symptcas other than an epidemic of calds in the Rongelap group. A few cases of secondary infection from sicin lesions and some unexplained high fever in children responded well to penicillin with no sensitization reaction. The white blood counts reached a minimm during the latter part of March with a late depression in blood platelets becoming apparent. The level of the msan counts being well below normal mean counts. Lowest counts were about 30,000 compared to a normal mean of over 300,000 for the natives. There is a definite upswing in the entire blood picture of both the natives and Americans at the present tins. Qn about 20 March, several cases of radiation buras were reported aboard beth the USS BATBOKO and the USS PHILIP. Examination showed that im alsost all cases there were discrete areas around the belt line which well to some lesions seen on the natives. History indicated that theee lesions developed soretime between 3 March and 15 March. ALL were in the process of healing with desquaration and mild depignentation and were quite superficial. The whole body dose was less than 10R and there were no other symptoms. Three M-boat operators from TG 7.3 presented film badges reading from 85 ta 95R and were sent to Kwajalein to be observed by ,theno medical skin teaa on 16 March. Since that time they have had no symptoms findings ner blood changes. It is likely some discrepancy in badging or of the wearing of badges must have taken place as careful examination n to which radiatio the in unusual nothing revealed badges by densitometer they were subjected. erva=cnse 3 & ccus s -0 It was decided at the outset to manage all case ica ntat rize expe as they arcee, avoiding ympt aann er eith aay at anyetme to perform transfusions n ready being botbei ent bet ret with treatm was managed daily of whole blood or platelets if indicated. Sick call ene 4