Amaas, or Alastrim, in the Netherlands
The Bulletin international d'hygiène publique contained recently a series of official communications from various governmental organizations of the Netherlands on the subject of the epidemic of amaas, or alastrim, that prevails at present in this country. This epidemic has been much discussed in the medical press. The facts to date are as follows:July 29, after the discovery of several cases of alastrim, or amaas, in Rotterdam, an inquiry was undertaken by the chief health authorities of the country, which brought out the following data:May 24, 1929, a sailor returned from a voyage to the East Indies who—at least, according to the information secured— had been ill with malaria and chickenpox. The wife of this sailor was taken ill, June 3, complaining of headache and fever. June 4, spots appeared on the arms and legs, and a few on the face. June 17,