Letter to Warren B. Walsh from Leo C. Rosten, with Attachment

January 11, 1943 Mr. Warren B. Walsh, Director The Syracuse University Rumor Clinic Syracuse, New York Dear Mr. Walsh: Thank you for your letter of December 17 and for the enclosed materials from the "Syracuse Daily Orange" apropos the statements made by Dr. F. R. Kellersberger. We are informed by the War Department that there is not the slightest foundation in fact for the allegations made by Dr. Kellersberger. Among the infectious diseases of man leprosy is very nearly the least transmissible. Years of intimate association with a leper are usually a factor of paramount importance. Early child- hood is the age of greatest susceptibility. Infection by contact of short duration with a leper is a rarity which can be dismissed as unworthy of serious consideration insofar as U. S. troops are concerned. The incidence of leprosy in the United States Army for the years 1934-1939 inclusive was very low. Four individuals developed the disease during the six year period, all of whom were natives of the Philippine Islands. Manifestly if leprosy were highly con- tagious, as alleged, there should have been an outbreak of epidemic proportions. Furthermore, there should have been many cases among the United States troops in China where lepers roam the crowded streets without hindurance, begging for alms. The following is & tabulation of the cases of leprosy detected in United States troops during the period in question. 1934 3 cases (Filipinos) 1935 o " 1936 o " 1937 o " 1938 1 case (Camp John Hay) 1939 o cases. Sincerely yours] Leo C. Rosten LCR:jis Deputy Director