THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ANTHRAX FROM SHAVING BRUSHES
THE DANGER from shaving brushes infected with anthrax spores has once
more been painfully called to our attention by the sad death of Professor
Ellermann of the University of Copenhagen. On December 17, 1924, a small
spot appeared on his left cheek. It was soon followed by considerable edema,
but without marked general symptoms. An examination of his shaving brush
showed that it was dyed Chinese horsehair, made to imitate badger, and from
the hair anthrax was isolated. The diagnosis was clear, and in spite of the
injection of anthrax serum, Professor Ellermann died on December 24.
The experience of the American army is still fresh in the mind of everyone.
During the war shaving brushes supplied by the Quartermaster's Department of
the army were found to be infected with anthrax spores. So many cases occurred
both in the army and in civilian life that certain cities and states forbade the sale
or handling of horsehair shaving brushes, especially those made in Japan. In
the army there were 149 cases with 22 deaths, all of which were believed to be
due to shaving brushes.
In England the first case of anthrax traced to a shaving brush occurred in
1915. From 1915 to 1921 in the civilian population 50 cases occurred with 18
deaths. Among the British troops in France between January, 1915, and February,
1917, 28 cases occurred, and in the navy six cases somewhat later than this. It
was not possible to demonstrate that the infection in all of these cases came from
shaving brushes, but since the majority of them were on some part of the face
and neck, the indications were that shaving brushes could be fairly incriminated.
So strong were the indications that the government prohibited the importation of
shaving brushes manufactured in Japan. A large number of suspected shaving
brushes were destroyed, and the infection was brought to an end.
This new case, with the history of those which have already been published,
indicates a source of danger against which we should constantly be on our guard.
ANTHRAX FROM SHAVING BRUSHES
THE DANGER from shaving brushes infected with anthrax spores has once
more been painfully called to our attention by the sad death of Professor
Ellermann of the University of Copenhagen. On December 17, 1924, a small
spot appeared on his left cheek. It was soon followed by considerable edema,
but without marked general symptoms. An examination of his shaving brush
showed that it was dyed Chinese horsehair, made to imitate badger, and from
the hair anthrax was isolated. The diagnosis was clear, and in spite of the
injection of anthrax serum, Professor Ellermann died on December 24.
The experience of the American army is still fresh in the mind of everyone.
During the war shaving brushes supplied by the Quartermaster's Department of
the army were found to be infected with anthrax spores. So many cases occurred
both in the army and in civilian life that certain cities and states forbade the sale
or handling of horsehair shaving brushes, especially those made in Japan. In
the army there were 149 cases with 22 deaths, all of which were believed to be
due to shaving brushes.
In England the first case of anthrax traced to a shaving brush occurred in
1915. From 1915 to 1921 in the civilian population 50 cases occurred with 18
deaths. Among the British troops in France between January, 1915, and February,
1917, 28 cases occurred, and in the navy six cases somewhat later than this. It
was not possible to demonstrate that the infection in all of these cases came from
shaving brushes, but since the majority of them were on some part of the face
and neck, the indications were that shaving brushes could be fairly incriminated.
So strong were the indications that the government prohibited the importation of
shaving brushes manufactured in Japan. A large number of suspected shaving
brushes were destroyed, and the infection was brought to an end.
This new case, with the history of those which have already been published,
indicates a source of danger against which we should constantly be on our guard.
