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3
During the past year on Rongelap four deaths had occurred in the
exposed group; three in older people (one of whom was referred to above died from polio) and one in a young man whose death was associated with a
fall from a coconut tree,
Two deaths had occurred in the unexposed group,
None of these deaths appeared to be related to radiation exposure, One
stillbirth with congenital abnormalities was born to exposed parents, the
significance of which is being investigated,
The usual number of healthy
babies were born to both exposed and unexposed groups,
Aside from the
epidemic of poliomyelitis at Rongelap, the only other epidemics worthy of
note were gastroenteritis of a rather severe nature among several children
who were treated successfully and a few cases of sickness from eating arrow
root flour (which probably had not been properly prepared),
Vital statistics of the people of Utirik during the past three
years since last seen were not remarkable with mortality and causes of
death and the number of births about the same in the exposed and unexposed
groups,
No unusual epidemics or types of disease that might be associated
with radiation effects had occurred on Utirik,
There was excellent cooperation of both Rongelap and Utirik people
in carrying out examinations and the friendly relationship between the
examining group and the people was most gratifying,
This spirit was believed
to be enhanced by the fact that prior to the surveys, meetings were held with
the people about the examinations and their purpose, and at the end of the
Surveys, they were informed of the general results,
The people were most
appreciative of the things done for them and particularly enjoyed the movies,
-music, and the ''going away party" that the team provided,
R, A,, Conard, M,D.
CG7
5001289
A, Hicking /M.¥,