Study of the Control of Respiratory Disease 
by Oiling Floors and Bedding 
A Joint Report of 
The Comission on ikir-Borne 
Infections 
and 
The Commission on Acute Respiratory Diseases 
Army Epidemiological Board, Preventive Medicine Service; 
Office of The Surgeon General, United States Army STUDY OF THE CONTROL OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE BY OILING FLOORS AND BEDDING 
Experimental studies of the Commission on Air-Bome Infections have 
shown that oiling of floors and bedding is an effective procedure for 
controlling dust and bacterial contamination in the air of barracks and 
hospital wards. In clinical studies at Camp Carson, Colorado, in 1943- 
44, considerable evidence was secured that this procedure reduced the 
incidence of hemolytic streptococcal infections and acute respiratory 
disease among troops* 
At the request of the Army Epidemiological Board a further in- 
vestigation of the effectiveness of these oiling procedures was under- 
taken during the winter 1944-45 at Fort Bragg, N.C., where a more ex- 
tensive control experiment could be carried out. This project was 
carried on jointly by the Commission on Air-Borne Infections and the 
Commission on Acuta Respiratory Diseases. The former was responsible 
for carrying out all of the oiling procedures and for testing and main- 
taining their effectiveness. The latter was responsible for measuring 
the effect of the procedures on the incidence of respiratory disease. 
Major Norman Plummer, of the Commission on Influenza was attached to 
the group for the period of the study. 
The study was initiated in October, 1944 and will continue through 
April, 1945. The present report is based on provisional tabulations of 
the results obtained through 17 March 1945. 
PLAN OF STUDY 
The study was undertaken in the Field Artillery Replacement 
Training Center (Fa-RTC) for the following reasons: 
!*• This organization is composed largely of new recruits in 
which, during the winter months, a high incidence of respiratory di- 
sease has been observed consistently since the initiation of the studies 
of the Commission at Fort Bragg in October 1942. Respiratory diseases 
in this organization have followed a characteristic epidemiological 
pattern which provided a background of experience for interpreting the 
results and for designing an adequate tost. 
2, The FA-RTC is a nfixed” organization at Fort Bragg and was 
expected to receive moderately large shipments of trainees throughout 
the winter of 1944-45. Thus, an adequate population was available for 
study. 
3. The regularity of the movements of these trainees, the ready 
accessibility of personnel records, the high standard of medical care provided in the dispensaries and the active interest and hearty 
cooperation of the Commanding General and his staff made the FA-RTC 
an ideal organization for conducting an investigation. 
Six battalions were selected. One of these was disbanded shortly 
after the study commenced. Each of the remaining 5 battalions was a 
separate training unit. Recruits for a particular battalion arrived over 
a period of 7 to 14 days from reception centers in all parts of the coun- 
try, They received 17 weeks of basic training as a group. When the 
training cycle was completed, the men left the study group and new recruits 
arrived. The movement of troops through the 5 battalions is shown in 
Table I, 
Table I 
Approximate Strength, Flow of Men, and Date 
of Initiation of Studies in Battalions of the Study Group 
Battalion 
First Day 
Observations 
Approximate 
of Training 
Initiated 
Strength 
9th 
20 August 
20 October 
1050 
5th 
1 October 
26 October 
750 
7th 
5 November 
5 November 
1000 
8th* 
19 November 
19 November 
800 
6th 
3 December 
3 December 
750 
9th* 
31 December 
31 December 
1250 
5th* 
25 February 
25 February 
1200 
7th 
18 March 
18 March 
1000 
4th 
(Disbanded in 
November) 
* Battalion studied in detail 
Each battalion consisted of 4 batteries. Each battery was pro- 
vided with 4 standard two-story army barracks designed for 63 men, a 
supply room, and a mess hall. Batteries A and C of each battalion re- 
ceived the complete oiling treatment, while alternate batteries. B and D 
remained untreated. Thus during the entire period of study, there were 
20 batteries under observation, 10 oiled and 10 controls. In several of 
these batteries 2 separate groups of trainees were under observation. 
It was recognized that the alternation by platoon, which is the 
smallest housing unit, would have advantages over alternation by battery. 
Such a procedure, however, was impractical for two reasons: l) The unit 
of supply was the battery and past experience indicated that under such 
circumstances treated and untreated blankets become hopelessly mixed, 
2) Adequate personnel was not available to keep the detailed records 
which would be necessary in order to measure the results. The total strength of the oiled and control groups remained approx- 
imately equal throughout the study. Within certain battalions,however, 
there were several instances where rather marked differences in strength 
occurred in the oiled and control batteries. These differences may have 
influenced the results as will be pointed out below. Furthermore, there 
were differences in geographic origin and length of service of the men 
in the 2 groups resulting from the method of assignment of trainees to 
the battalions. During the early part of the study the batteries were 
filled with trainees starting with Battery A and finishing with Battery D, 
Later, arrangements were made to have each shipment of trainees divided 
equally among the U batteries, thus providing for a more adequate 
tributton of the men between the oiled and control groups. 
METHODS 
A routine procedure was followed for measuring the incidence of 
respiratory disease in the whole study group and in addition detailed 
studies were undertaken in selected battalions. 
Routine Procedures: 
Dispensary?- cases — A daily tabulation was maintained of new dis- 
pensary cases of respiratory disease according to organization. The 
severity was indicated by disposition to duty, quarters, or hospital. 
Hospital cases — Each admission to the respiratory, contagious 
disease, and EENT wards of the Regional Hospital was examined by a member 
of the Commission, a chest X-ray and throat culture for the JB-hemolytic 
streptococcus were secured, A second throat culture and acute and con- 
valescent blood specimens were obtained from all patients found to harbor 
hemolytic streptococci on admission. 
Population data — The daily total strength of each battery was 
ascertained and consolidated into mean weekly strength figures, also 
an approximate tabulation was made of the origin and length of service 
of the men in each battery in order to determine the comparability of 
the men in the oiled and control groups. 
The present report is based largely on tabulation of these routine 
data* 
Detailed Studies: 
More extensive observations were made in 3 selected battalions 
during the study period. The field work in 2 of these has been completed 
and the third is in progress. 
Dispensary cases — Each dispensary case was seen and treated by 
a member of the Staff, A throat culture was secured and a record main- 
tained of the temperature, prominent symptoms, history of unusual ex- posure to weather, and of recent immunization, Presence or absence of 
exudate in the throat and of rales in the chest were recorded. 
Hospital cases — Throat cultures were examined for pneumococci, 
staphylococci, H. influenzae, and H. hemolyticus. Acute and 21-day 
convalescent blood specimens were secured. 
Platoon studies — Weekly interviews and throat cultures were made 
on 2 platoons of 60 men each; 1 platoon lived in an oiled barrack, the 
other in a control barrack. These studies provided data on the pre- 
valence of minor respiratory symptoms and of specific bacteria in the 
throats of well soldiers. 
Streptococcus surveys — In 2 battalions, the 9th and 5th, re- 
peated cultural surveys were made for carriers of hemolytic streptococci. 
From 1000 to 1200 men wore cultured 3 times in each of these battalions. 
Population data — Complete identifying data were collected for 
cadre and trainees, according to age, geographic length of service 
in the Army, and residence in upper or lower floor of the platoon. In 2 
battalions, data were also collected regarding occupation prior to entry 
in the Army and history of tonsillectomy. 
Only a few preliminary tabulations of these detailed studies will 
be presented here. 
Application of Oil to Floors: 
The method of application of oil to floors was similar to that em- 
ployed by the Commission on Air-Borne Infections during its studies at 
Camp Carson, Colorado, The oil was distributed over the floor from 
buckets with perforated bottoms, after which it was spread with hair 
brooms. A jpetroleum distillate floor oil whicn met the specifications 
of the Bureau of Standards was employed. The oiling of the barracks, 
mess halls, and the recreation halls in the A and C Batteries of the 
Ath,5th,6th,7th,8th, and 9th Battalions was begun 10 October and com- 
pleted 12 October 19AA, This comprised a total of AS barracks, 12 mess 
halls, and 5 recreation halls. The personnel for applying oil was 
supplied by the FA-RTC. From 30 to 35 gallons of oil at a total cost 
of $6,50 - $7.50 were used for each barrack. 
Technique for Oiling Bed Clothes: 
Dilute emulsions of oil in water were employed in the treatment of 
the bed clothes. The formula is known as T-13 Emulsion Base, and consis- 
ted, by weight, of 87 parts of medicinal mineral oil (Fractol A) and 13 
parts triton NE, a neutral detergent, wetting and emulsifying agent. The bed clothes were rinsed In the same wheel in which they were ’washed, in 
dilute T-13 oil emulsions for 10 minutes at the end of the regular wash- 
ing procedure. The blankets were initially treated in 2 per cent oil 
emulsion, and the cotton bed clothes in a 1 per cent emulsion. This re- 
sulted in an oil-loading of 2.0 to 2,5 per cent of dry weight of the 
textiles. For retreatment of the blankets and cotton bedding, one-tenth 
per cent and one-half per cent, respectively, were required to maintain 
this loading. The cost of the initial treatment of a blanket was approx- 
imately 6 cents and of a sheet approximately 1 cent. Post Laundry No. 3 
provided all the personnel necessary for the oiling of the bed clothes. 
Throughout the study, however, one of the Staff of the Commission on Air- 
Borne Infections supervised the procedures. The details for the use of 
T-13 oil emulsions for the application of oil to bedding will be submitted 
in a separate report by the Commission on Air-Borne Infections. 
The oiling of bed clothes began 17 October 1944• The blankets of 
A and. C Batteries of the 9th and 5th Battalions were oiled first, and 
thereafter, those of a and C Batteries of the 7th, 8th, and 6th were 
treated respectively at the beginning of their training cycles. To date, 
approximately 14,000 blankets have been oiled. Treatment of cotton bed- 
ding began 30 October and thereafter, 2,000 to 3,000 sheets, 1,000 to 
1,500 pillow slips, and 250 to 500 mattress covers have been re-oiled 
weekly since this time. To insure that the bedding contained sufficient 
oil to hold dust and bacteria, samples from different lots were selected 
at the time of treatment and analyzed for oil content. Periodic in- 
spections of the barracks were made to see that the treated bedding was 
properly distributed. Uith few minor exceptions, the treatment procedures 
and distribution of the blankets ’were adequately maintained. 
RESULTS 
The results will be presented in 4 parts; l) Effect of the oiling 
procedures on the environment; 2) Effect on the incidence of respiratory 
disease; 3) Results of platoon studies; and 4) Results of a survey for 
hemolytic streptococcus carriers. 
1. Effect on Environment 
The methods and apparatus employed for the analysis of the bacterial 
content of the air, blankets, and floor dust were similar to those em- 
ployed by the Commission on air-Borne Infections at Camp Carson, Colorado. 
Bacterial content of the air — Periodic samplings of the air from 
oiled and unoiied barracks during the time of maximum activity in the 
early morning hours, from 5*45 to 7:30 iJi, with the Folin bubbler-samplers 
were made. The air of the oiled barracks consistently yielded from 75 to 
90 per cent fewer organisms than were obtained from the air of untreated 
barracks. Cultures were also mads for hemolytic streptococci. None were 
obtained from 100 air samples (15 to 20 cubic feet) in the treated bar- 
racks, while 12 per cent of a comparable number of samples from the unoiled barracks were positive. In general the groups and types of strepto- 
cocci isolated were similar to those found in the blankets. Attempts 
to isolate pneumococci from the air using the Folin bubbler-sampler and 
injecting the broth intrapcritoneally into mice were unsuccessful. 
Bacteria removed from blankets — To determine the bacteria-holding 
property of oiled versus unoiled bedding, many cultures were made of the 
blankets in the treated and control barracks with the Folin bubbler-sam- 
pler throughout the training cycles. Cultures from blankets having an 
oil loading of two or more per cent oil as dry weight, contained from 90 
to 95 per cent fewer organisms than did those from unoiled blankets. The 
blankets from a large number of bods were also cultured for hemolytic 
streptococci. Of 307 cultures from oiled beds, 26 (8.5 per cent) were 
positive hemolytic streptococci (Table II). Of 441 samples from un- 
oiled beds, 160 (36.3 per cent) yielded streptococci. 
Fifty per cent of these strains were Group a, while the remainder 
were largely Groups C and G. Typable Group a strains were found more 
frequently from control barracks. The distribution of groups and tjqses 
of streptococci isolated from blankets and. from air was roughly similar 
to that found in the carrier surveys. 
Table II 
Beta-Henolytic Streptococci Isolated 
Iron Blankets in Oiled and Control Barracks 
Type of 
Barracks 
Number of 
Beds Sampled 
Beds 
Positive 
Distribution by 
Lancefield Groups 
Number Per cent 
»A 
v&k 
B C 
D F G 
Oiled 
307 
26 8.5 
1 
12 
0 10 
0 12 
Control 
441 
160 36.3 
16 
64 
4 50 
0 2 24 
# Typable No Type 
Attempts were made to isolate pneumococci from the blanket dust 
by concentrating the organisms from the broth and injecting them intra— 
peritoneally in mice. None were found. This was unexpected because the 
carrier rate for pneumococci among the barrack occupants was usually 50 
per cent or higher, and type 25 pneumococcus was observed to spread among 
the men in one platoon during the time when these tests were being carried 
out. This may indicate that the survival time of pneumococci in barracks 
is shorter than that of hemolytic streptococci, or that the methods of 
detection were inadequate. Roactions of officers and enlisted men — When the plans for the 
study \iere being formulated, some apprehension was expressed concerning 
the possibility that the barrack occupants would react unfavorably to 
the oiled floors and bedding. Before approval for the oiling program was 
given, a ’’pilot barrack” was set up, and the reaction of the men noted. 
It was generally favorable. During the course of the study, periodic 
questioning of enlisted men and battery commanders as to their reactions 
to the oiled floors, revealed no disapproval. On the other hand, a number 
of favorable comments were given, such as the improved appearance of the 
barracks, the simplified cleaning requirements, and the almost complete 
suppression of dust. Further indication of approval was shown by the 
request from the Commanding General, for oil to be applied to 
several of the headquarters buildings, and to barracks of other organi- 
zations in his command. 
2. Effect on the Incidence of Resniratory Disease 
During the early part of the study (22 October to 30 December) 
respiratory disease was endemic and only scattered cases occurred. During 
January, however, the incidence of respiratory disease rose sharply, 
particularly in hospitalized cases, and the disease was considered to be 
epidemic in nature. For the purposes of presenting the results of the 
oiling study, the comparisons between oiled and control groups will be 
divided into endemic and epidemic periods since the oiling procedures 
appeared to have a definite effect during the early period but a doubtful 
effect during the late period. Two sources of information were available 
for measuring the incidence of respiratory disease: l) dispensary records 
and 2) cases seen by a member of the Staff on the respiratory wards of 
the hospital. 
A. Dispensary Records — The weekly incidence rates of duty, quarters, 
and hospital cases of respiratory disease are shown in Figure 1 and 
Tables III and III-A. The rates for duty cases from oiled and control 
groups were irregular and showed no striking differences. Duty cases 
represent mild afebrile infections. The great majority of these patients 
complained of nasal symptoms and cough without exhibiting objective signs 
of disease. Many factors other than the presence or severity of respira- 
tory symptoms motivate soldiers to report on sick call and to claim that 
they have a ’’cold,” An accurate diagnosis in such cases is most difficult 
It is felt that the incidence of duty cases is one of the least reliable 
measures of respiratory disease among soldiers. 
A more accurate diagnosis can be made in the patients who are sent 
to quarters or admitted to the hospital because these patients usually 
present objective signs of disease, such as fever, exudate in the throat, 
or rales in the lungs. Furthermore, these cases represent the important 
group of infect:'ons because they are severe enough to result in loss of 
time from training. Table III 
Weekly Incidence of Respiratory Disease in Oiled and 
Control Groups According to Severity: Duty, Quarters, and Hospital Cases 
Oiled Group 
Control Group 
Mean 
Cases 
Mean 
Cases 
Strength 
D 
Q 
H 
Strength 
D 
Q 
H 
Endemic Period 
- 22 
October 
to 30 December 
Oct. 22-28 
981 
12 
4 
4 
963 
19 
4 
3 
29-4 
961 
12 
1 
931 
8 
1 
Nov, 5-11 
1509 
21 
5 
3 
1413 
20 
10 
6 
12-18 
1572 
32 
7 
4 
1520 
18 
17 
4 
19-25 
1978 
37 
23 
4 
I960 
56 
27 
5 
26-2 
1961 
27 
10 
8 
1949 
42 
18 
11 
Dec. 3-9 
2562 
34 
29 
6 
2606 
50 
50 
14 
10-16 
2514 
98 
45 
12 
2630 
104 
62 
20 
17-23 
2242 
37 
9 
7 
2166 
36 
19 
14 
24-30 
2102 
44 
29 
3 
2309 
52 
23 
17 
Total 
354 
162 
51 
405 
231 
94 
Epidemic Period 
- 31 
De camber 
to 17 March 
Dec. 31-6 
2138 
52 
41 
34 
2347 
43 
51 
33 
Jan. 7-13 
2041 
40 
42 
38 
2129 
60 
59 
58 
14-20 
1985 
30 
41 
42 
2049 
36 
63 
50 
21-27 
1990 
79 
58 
88 
2041 
85 
57 
75 
28-3 
1938 
57 
53 
72 
1947 
73 
44 
77 
Feb, 4-10 
1800 
54 
49 
36 
1723 
51 
37 
46 
11-17 
1811 
16 
11 
12 
1748 
32 
21 
26 
18-24 
1942 
24 
20 
21 
1993 
40 
19 
12 
25-3 
2116 
29 
28 
28 
2189 
39 
37 
33 
Mar. 4-10 
2044 
28 
22 
29 
2110 
32 
23 
29 
11-17 
2228 
41 
32 
42 
2154 
31 
27 
31 
Total 
450 
397 
442 
522 
438 
470 Table III-A 
Incidence Rates per 1000 per week 
Duty 
Cases 
Quarters Cases 
Hospital Cases 
Oiled 
Control 
Oiled 
Control 
Oiled Control 
Endemi c 
Period - 
22 
October 
to 30 December 
Oct* 
22-28 
12.2 
19.7 
4.1 
4.2 
4.1 
3*1 
29—4 
12.5 
8.6 
1.0 
1.1 
Nov. 
5-11 
13.9 
14.1 
3.3 
7.1 
2.0 
4.2 
12-18 
20.4 
11.8 
4.5 
11.2 
2.5 
2.6 
19-25 
18.7 
28.6 
11.6 
13.8 
2.0 
2.6 
26-2 
13.8 
21,5 
5.1 
9.2 
4.1 
5.6 
Dec. 
3-9 
13.3 
19.2 
11.3 
19.2 
2.3 
5.4 
10-16 
39.0 
39.5 
17.9 
23.6 
4.8 
7.6 
17-23 
16.5 
16,6 
4.0 
8.8 
3.1 
6.5 
24-30 
20.9 
22.5 
13.8 
10.0 
1.4 
7.4 
Epidemic 
Period - 
31 
December 
to 17 February 
Dec. 
31-6 
24.3 
18.3 
19.2 
21.7 
15.9 
14.1 
Jan • 
7-13 
19.6 
28.2 
20.6 
27.7 
18.6 
27.2 
14-20 
15.1 
17.6 
20,7 
30.7 
21.2 
24.4 
21-27 
39.7 
41.6 
29.1 
27.9 
44.2 
36.7 
28-3 
29.4 
37.5 
27.3 
22.6 
37.2 
39.5 
Feb. 
4-10 
30.0 
29.6 
27.2 
21.5 
20.0 
26.7 
11-17 
8.8 
18.3 
6.1 
12.0 
6.6 
14.9 
18-24 
12.3 
20.1 
10.3 
9.5 
10.8 
6.0 
25-3 
13.7 
17.8 
13.2 
16.9 
13.2 
15.1 
Mar. 
4-10 
13.7 
15.2 
10.7 
10.9 
14.2 
13.7 
11-17 
18.4 
14.4 
14.4 
12.5 
18.9 
14.4 During the endemic period the incidence of quarters cases varied 
somewhat irregularly from 2 to 20 per thousand per week. Throughout 
this period the rates in the oiled group were consistently lower than 
the rates in the control group. The totals were 162 and 231 cases 
respectively. This difference represents a reduction in the oiled 
group of 30 per cent. 
During the epidemic period there were no consistent differences 
in the weekly rates in the quarters cases from oiled and control groups, 
although the total cases were 397 and 438, respectively. This difference 
in the total cases constitutes a reduction, possibly due to the oiling 
procedures, of 9 per cent. 
The results from tabulation of the total hospital cases as de- 
termined from dispensary records were similar to those found for quarters 
cases. During the endemic period there were 51 admissions from the 
oiled group and 94 from the control group, making a gross reduction of 
46 per cent. During the epidemic, however, the number of admissions 
were 442 and 470 respectively, a difference of 6 per cent. 
Adding quarters and hospital cases together the reduction during 
the endemic period was 34 per cent, and in the epidemic period the 
reduction was 8 per cent. 
An analysis of these results by separate battalions, however, re- 
vealed several inconsistencies. In some battalions the incidence of 
quarters and hospital cases from oiled and control batteries was approxi- 
mately equal while in other battalions rather marked differences oc- 
cured. One of these was the 7th Battalion in which the oiled and con- 
trol batteries were less comparable than in the other organizations in 
the study group. Battery D, a control battery, was composed of para- 
troop volunteers. For part of the period the strength was greater than 
the other batteries of the battalion and the movement of troops through 
this battery was different. An unusually large number of cases oc- 
curred in this battery. If the 7th Battalion is omitted from the study 
the total reduction in incidence of quarters and hospital cases during 
the endemic period is lowered from 34 per cent to 25 per cent, and 
during the epidemic period the reduction becomes only 5 per cent# 
B, Analysis of Hospital Cases — The diagnoses of the cases which 
were examined in the hospital are shown in Table IV• The totals in 
this table are similar though not identical to those in Table III 
because of the different method of identifying the cases and because 
the tabulation includes cases admitted through 17 February# Table IV 
Diagnosis of Hospital Cases from Oiled and Control Groups 
Endemic Period 
Epidemic Period 
Diagnosis 
22 Oct. 
to 30 Dec* 
31 Doc. 
to 17 Feb* 
Oiled 
Control 
Oiled 
Control 
Group 
Group 
Group 
Group 
Acute Respiratory Illnesses 
ARD (Undifferentiated) 
36 
56 
271 
288 
Exudative Pharyngitis 
9 
16 
10 
34 
Atypical Pneumonia 
11 
U 
21 
20 
Acute Bacterial Pneumonia 
• 2 
2 
2 
Total 
56 
8B 
304 
344 
Contagious Diseases 
Chicken ?cx 
1 
1 
Measles 
1 
1 
German Measles 
1 
8 
16 
Meningococcal Infections 
1 
1 
2 
Total 
3 
1 
10 
19 
Exclusions 
Chronic Respiratory Diseases 
4 
6 
13 
12 
Vaccinia and Typhoid Reactions 
1 
6 
5 
2 
Not Respiratory Disease 
2 
2 
2 
6 
Total 
7 
14 
20 
20 
Grand Total 
66 
103 
334 
383 
During both the endemic and epidemic periods the most frequent diagnosis 
was acute undifferentiated respiratory disease, which for convenience 
has been shortened to ARD, Exudative pharyngitis and atypical pneumonia 
occurred in small numbers and bacterial pneumonia and acute contagious 
diseases were infrequent. During the epidemic period, there was a 
marked increase in ARD but only slight increases in exudative pharyngitis 
and atypical pneumonia. The frequency of ARD and exudative pharyngitis 
was lower in the oiled group than in the control group during both 
periods. There was no difference in the incidence of atypical pneumonia. 
A few sporadic cases of German measles occurred in small abortive 
outbreaks. The total number is too small to attribute the observed 
difference to the dust control measures# These tabulations which are based on hospital cases and which 
arc corrected for diagnosis indicate a crude reduction in the oiled 
group of 36 per cent in the endemic period and 12 per cent in the 
epidemic pe rled- 
A part of this reduction may be accounted for by hemolytic strep- 
tococcal infections. During both the endemic and epidemic periods fewer 
cases with hemolytic streptococci occurred in the oiled than in the 
control group .Table V). 
Table V 
Distribution of 3eta-Hemolytic Streptococci in Hospital 
Cases of Acute Respiratory Illnesses from Oiled and Control Groups 
Endemic Period 
Epidemi 
c Period 
22 Oct. 
to 30 Dec. 
31 Dec. 
to 17 Feb. 
Beta-Hemolytic 
Oiled 
Control 
Oiled 
Control 
Streptococci 
Group 
Group 
Group 
Group 
Present 
9 
23 
24- 
38 
Absent 
4-7 
65 
280 
306 
Total 
56 
88 
304- 
3A4 
Percent Present 
16.1 
26.1 
7.9 
11.0 
During the endemic period, three fourths of the hemolytic strep- 
tococci were Group A strains (Table VI), but during the epidemic period 
only one half were Group A strains. In both periods however, typable 
strains were obtained more frequently from the control than from the 
oiled group. Although the total number of cases is quite small the 
consistency of the differences and the greater frequency of typable 
strains in the control group suggest that the oiling procedures may 
have reduced the number of cases of hemolytic streptococcal disease. 
Antibody studies are necessary to establish this point. Table VI 
Distribution of Groups and Types of Hemolytic Streptococci 
Isolated from Hospitalized Cases of Acute Respiratory Illness 
Endemic Period 
Epidemi 
c Period 
22 Oct. 
to 30 Dec. 
31 Dec. 
to 17 Feb. 
Hemolytic 
Oiled 
Control 
Oiled 
Control 
Siraptococci 
Group 
Group 
Group 
Group 
Group A — Typable 
A 
12 
3 
10 
No Type 
3 
6 
10 
11 
Other Groups 
2 
5 
10 
15 
No Group 
1 
2 
Total 
9 
23 
2U 
38 
The distribution of total cases by battalions according to oiled 
and control groups is shown in Table VII* A larger number of cases 
occurred in the 9th Battalion during the epidemic period than in any 
other organization. This battalion was composed of the most recently 
inducted recruits and it had a considerably greater strength. Over- 
crowding resulted. The 5th Battalion completed training during the 
middle of the epidemic and the arrival of new recruits was delayed until 
the end of February. *lence the smallest number of cases occurred in 
this group. 
Table VII 
Distribution of Hospital Casas of Acute Respiratory 
Illnesses by Battalions during Endemic and Epidemic Periods 
Endeni c 
Period 
Epidemi 
c Period 
22 Oct. 
to 30 Dec. 
31 Dec. 
to 17 Feb. 
Battalion 
Oiled 
Control 
Oiled 
Control 
Group 
Group 
Group 
Group 
5th 
3 
8 
29 
32 
6th 
8 
25 
39 
59 
7th 
21 
23 
39 
67 
8th 
12 
23 
51 
56 
9th 
12 
9 
146 
130 
Total 
56 
88 
304 
344 Differences in incidence between oiled and control groups in the 
various battalions were not consistent. During the endemic period the 
incidence in the 5th, 6th, and 8th Battalions was reduced in the oiled 
group compared with the control. The 7th and 9th Battalions showed no 
difference. 
During the epidemic period the only differences of significance oc- 
curred in the 6th and 7th Battalions. In the other 3 battalions the 
numbers of cases in the two groups were approximately equal. Preliminary 
corrections of these figures have been undertaken for variation in 
strength and. in length of service of the men in the oiled and control 
groups in each battalion, as pointed out above, there were considerable 
differences in the 7th Battalion. When these corrections are completed 
the results vail probably be modified materially. 
On the basis of the data available at present it is reasonable to 
conclude that a part of the reduction which occurred during the endemic 
period may be attributed to the oiling procedures. The slight reduction 
in the epidemic period is of doubtful significance. 
3. Platoon Studies 
Platoon studies have been completed in two battalions. During Nov- 
ember and December the prevalence of minor symptoms in both an oil 
treated platoon and a control platoon was approximately 50 per cent 
throughout a six-week period of observation. No changes or differences 
which could be attributed to the oiling procedures were observed. The 
weekly throat cultures in the control platoon revealed that a type 25 
pneumococcus spread, to 17 of the 60 men during the middle of the ob- 
servation period. This spread occurred without evident relation to 
respiratory symptoms, a distribution of the carriers according to the 
bed plan (Figure 2) suggests that some of the spread occurred try direct 
contact to men in adjacent beds, a similar spread, of bacteria in the 
oiled platoon was not observed• 
The prevalence of minor symptoms in the two platoons studied during 
the epidemic period reached BO per cent. Practically every man in both 
the oiled and control platoons had minor symptoms at some time during 
an eight-week period. Spread of type specific pneumococci or strepto- 
cocci among the men was not observed. 
4. Survey for Carriers of Hemolytic Streptococcus 
In January and February, pharyngeal cultures were obtained from the 
trainees and cadre of the 9th Battalion during the 1st, 3rd, and 6th weeks 
of training. A complete series of 3 cultures were collected from 1123 
men. The number of carriers found in this group is shown in Table VIII, Table VIII 
Carrier Rates of Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci in Survey of 9th 
Battalion During 1st, 3rd, and 6th Week of Training, 2? December to 10 February 
Carrier 
Rates Per 
cent 
Culture Period 
Oiled J 
Batteries 
Control 
Batteries 
Total 
A 
C 
B 
D 
1st 28 Dec. - 
2 Jan. 
12.2 
7.5 
7.A 
11.3 
9.6 
2nd 15 Jan. - 
20 Jan. 
7.0 
6.8 
7.0 
8.5 
7.3 
3rd 5 Feb. - 
10 Feb. 
9.8 
7.1 
A.8 
7.0 
7.1 
Total Men Cultured* 
287 
280 
272 
28A 
1123 
Only those men from whom cultures were obtained in all 3 periods 
are included. 
during this period there was a moderately severe epidemic of acute 
respiratory disease in which approximately 25 per cent of the men were 
hospitalized. The carrier rate for hemolytic streptococci, however, 
remained low. It fell from 9.6 to 7.1 per cent in the whole battalion. 
No differences were observed among the A batteries which could be attri- 
buted to the effect of the oiling procedures. 
SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION 
A control study of the effect of oiled floors and bedding has been 
conducted at Fort Bragg, N.C. in a group of approximately A000 new 
recruits. The application of oil to both floors and bedding was found 
to be simple and practical under the conditions at this army post. The 
procedures were generally popular among both officers and enlisted men. 
They resulted in greater ease of cleaning barracks and almost total 
elimination of dust. 
Throughout the period of the study the oiling procedures effectively 
controlled the bacterial content of the air in the treated barracks. 
A summary of the results of the tabulation of dispensary and hospi- 
tal records is presented in Table IX. Table IX 
Per cent ’’Reduction*’ in Cases of Respiratory- 
Disease from Oiled Group Compared with Control Group 
Period of 
Dispensary 
Hospital Cases 
Observation 
Records 
Quarters Hospital 
Corrected for Diagnosis 
Endemi c 
30 46 
36 
(22 Oct. -30 Dec;) 
Epidemic 
9 6 
CV 
i—1 
(31 Dec. -17 March) 
Epidemic period, 31 Dec. 
- 17 Feb. 
During the period of low incidence of respiratory disease from 
October to December, there were from 30 to 40 per cent fewer quarters 
and hospital cases from the oiled group than from the control group. 
k part of this reduction can reasonably be attributed to the oiling 
procedures. 
During the epidemic period in January and February, the crude 
reduction in the quarters and hospital cases from the oiled group was 
not more than 10 per cent. Correlations of these figures for strength 
and other variations may eliminate this difference. The dust control 
measures did not prevent the development of epidemic respiratory disease; 
There was suggestive evidence that cases of hemolytic streptococcal 
infection were reduced by the oiling procedures. The true incidence of 
streptococcal disease, however, depends upon completion of antibody 
studies• 
Studies of the hemolytic streptococcal carrier rate in one batta- 
lion during an epidemic of acute respiratory disease showed similar 
carrier rates in the oiled and control groups. 
Typo specific pneumococci were observed to spread through one of 
the two control platoons but similar spread was not seen in two platoons 
which wore housed in oiled barracks. 
From a practical point of view the results indicate that oiling of 
floors and bedding had a moderate effect in reducing respiratory disease 
during a period of low, endemic incidence. The measures were ineffectual, 
however, in controlling an epidemic of acute respiratory disease in now 
recruits. From a theoretical point of view the results throw light on the 
node of spread of respiratory disease amone troops. It would appear 
that contaminated dust in barracks was a contributing factor in the 
spread of endemic illnesses, but that this node of spread was relatively 
unimportant during an epidemic. There was some evidence to suggest that 
dust was more important in the spread of hemolytic streptococcal disease 
than it was in acute respiratory disease of unknown etiology. 
AC KN OV/LEDGI' fflNTS 
The Commission on Acute Respiratory Diseases and the Commission 
on i-dr-Bome Infections wish to thank the following officers for their 
active support which made this study possible: 
Major General D.C, Cubbison, Commanding General, FA-RTC 
Brigadier General John T, Kennedy, Commanding General, Ft. Bragg 
Brigadier General H.C, Coburn, Post Surgeon 
Colonel J.N. Williams, Commanding Officer, Regional Hospitals 
Colonel R.J. Horr, Executive Officer, FA-RTC 
Lieutenant Colonel F.W. Bryant, Executive Officer, 
Lieutenant Colonel F*G« Everett, Post Quartermaster 
Lieutenant Colonel J.M. Kinsman, Chief, Medical Service 
Lieutenant Colonel F.K. Herpel, Chief, X-Ray Service 
and the commanding officers and their staffs of the 2nd and 3rd Regiments 
and 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Battalions, FA-RTC. 
The following officers and their staffs rendered generous assistance 
during the course of the study: 
Major R.L. Siegel, Surgeon, Fa-RTC 
Major Bert Moore, Surgeon, Fa-RTC 
lie.jor G.R. Newton, Personnel ivdjutant 
Major Vf.J. McVey, Classification Officer 
Captain L. Butterfield, Personnel adjutant 
Captain D.L. Martin, Registrar, Regional Hospitals 
Captain P*T. Myers, X-Ray Service 
Captain J.R. Bennett, Laundry Officer 
and the dispensary surgeons, the battery commanders, the 1st sergeants, 
and supply sergeants, who gave their v/holo hearted cooperation to the 
study. 
Mr. E.F. Zirkle, Superintendent of Laundry No. 3, wag most helpful 
throughout the study in making available his busy equipment and in ex- 
pediting the oil treatment procedures. Respectfully submitted, 
0«H, Robertson, 1.1,D,, Director 
Commission on Air-Borne Infections 
by Clayton G, Loosli 
Major, H«G« 
Member 
and 
John H. Dingle, Major, M,G., Director 
Commission on Acute Respiratory Diseases 
by Theodora J. Abarnethy ; 
Major, M.C, 
Acting Director 
26-27 April 1945