A Game of Wild Indians Summary and Analysis

In August, 1946, three people in Manhattan were diagnosed with typhoid fever. This disease is bacterial and is transmitted by food or drink contaminated by excrement of an infected individual. Some people, who may experience a mild form of the disease and who go undiagnosed, become carriers and, if known, are legally barred from any employment that involves preparation or handling of food. When two additional cases turned up, it became clear that all the victims lived in the same neighborhood but had not participated in any picnics, festivals or other gatherings at which food had been served. The possible culprits were drinking water, unpasteurized milk, delivered ice, or food which all had eaten in common. As health department officials began the tedious task of checking every market, fruit and vegetable stand, and restaurant...