Malta fever is endemic in herds of goats in southern Utah. In 1922, two herders in this region died of a condition said to resemble this disease.
In May, 1923, the patient, W. A. S., aged 33, the state veterinarian, went to this section with Dr. L. L. Daines, the state bacteriologist, to investigate the disease in the goat herds. May 15, he handled placental tissue from an infected animal; at this time he had a small cut on one hand, which, however, healed without incident. May 27, he developed chilliness and cramping pains in the legs, and the next day fever, epigastric pain and a constant headache. A few days later an unproductive cough and general pains appeared. These symptoms, with marked insomnia, sweating and weakness, continued until June 6, when they gradually subsided
The patient first consulted us for his present illness, June 9. At this time there