f 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. An interesting sidelightis that some of the 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 was being satisfactorily re-established, but it had not reached full capacity. The establishment of an agricultural program wasproceeding disappointingly slowly. At this writing it is understood that the Trust Territory is sending a full-time agriculturist to implementthis program. Adequate water is available on Rongelap from the concrete water catchment cisterns from the roofs of nearlyall the houses. Flies are quite prevalent. Most of the people still cook outdoors rather than in the screened cook-houses built for them. Scraps of food around the cooking area probably predispose towardflies. The screened-in latrines are a big improvement, and it is hoped that the children will make greater use of them. This point has been emphasizedto the people in order that intestinal parasites may be better controlled. The istand 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 carbohydrate is rice and a small amount of 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 importance of diet 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 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 (particularly the giant clams) are eaten when they. can be found; however, they are not plentiful now. Landcrabs are considered a delicacy, but eatin them is forbidden at this time because oftheir high Sr’’ level. (This is the only forbidden dietary item.) local plant products. Coconuts arc an important item of the diet, eaten green or ripe. About three green coconuts per day are consumedperperson, both milk and meat. Ripe coconut is eaten with meals either as such or grated onto rice andfish. Pandanvsis 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 knownas “‘jenkum.”’ This: fruit is probably a major source of vitamin A and possibly C. Arrowroofis grated to form a starchy flour, which is cooked into a mushy, tapioca-like material. It is available principally in the winter months. Breadfruif, a starchy fruit, is not abundant on Rongelap but is eaten when available. Rice, rsesremee ninth mriee itie’s salt, sugar, flour, tea, and canned meats are imported. Rice is a mainstay eaten three times a day. Sugaris used to sweeten tea. A little salt is used in cooking rice and bread, butis usually in short supply and is 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 vear. Six children (4 exposed and 2 unexposed) presumably hadinfectious hepatius during November and December 1957. 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 mayalso play a part in the prevalence ofthis condition. A complaint of 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 EP dures used ‘and the results will be described below. frequently daily. A great deal moreis eaten fresh than otherwise. The liver is included. Among emt. data on these counts as well as considerable medical equipment werelost 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 inthe steel room. Details of the proce-