An Epidemic of Fifty-Four Cases of Relapsing Fever Observed in Birjand, East Persia

our troops, first appears in the medical returns of the East Persian Forces on May 27, 1918, when a case was reported from Meshed. Twenty-two cases were reported from Meshed up to the end of August 1918, when the small epidemic subsided. Twenty-five cases were reported from Turbat-i-Haidari up to the end of September 1918, the first admission being on June 7, 1918. This small town lies about 84 miles south of Meshed. Amongst these forty-seven cases only one death was reported; and at this time the specific remedy was not available. The majority of these cases were discharged to duty at varying periods up to two' months from the date of admission. The proportion of combatants to followers affected was three to one, and no British troops were involved. Microscopical facilities were available in Meshed and, doubtless, the diagnosis was verified in the majority of cases. As regards Turbat, I am not certain whether microscopical work was undertaken, as the only microscope available belonged to a Russian private practitioner.