DDT, Weapon Against Disease (US Army, 1945)

The discovery of D.D.T. during World War II, its effectiveness against lice, mosquitoes, and flies; tests made on its effectiveness; and examples of the good results it has shown in controlling military and civilian epidemics are presented. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9502511(link is external).

Medicine in the Tropics (Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., 1948)

The medical problems and medical care of the workers on the Firestone Rubber Company plantations in Liberia are presented and discussed, with accompanying footage. The most common diseases in the region are schistosomiasis, malaria, yaws, goiter, intestinal worms, the dysenteries, the filariases, traumatic injuries, and pulmonary, bone, and skin diseases. Smallpox is the most common of the infectious diseases. Spraying, ditching, and cutting back vegetation are done in an attempt to limit the habitat of the pathogens and vectors. Latrines are inspected.

Unsuspected (National Tuberculosis Association/Trident Films, c1951)

After almost hitting Johnny Walsh with her automobile, public health nurse Linda Thorpe is introduced to the child by a local storekeeper. Linda recognizes Johnny as a newcomer to the area and, after hearing that his mother is pregnant, takes the opportunity to meet the family. During the visit, Linda persuades Johnny's mother, Mary, to see a physician for a prenatal check-up, during which a chest x-ray reveals she has an "unsuspected" case of tuberculosis.

Tropical Disease Investigations in Africa (USPHS, 1957)

Etiology and treatment of four major tropical diseases (malaria, onchocerciasis, trypanosomiasis, and schistosomiasis) in Africa are shown. Shots include natives in villages working and being treated. Produced by Burch, Thomas A., 1918- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) and National Institutes of Health (U.S.). Scientific Reports Branch.

Penicillin and Venereal Disease (USPHS, 1947)

This film shows several cases of venereal disease, discusses symptoms, and explains how penicillin is effective in curing the disease. Scenes include: patients with lesions on tongue, back, lip, and penis; patients with loss of hair; ocular atrophy; paralysis; Charcot joint and x-ray of same; spinal fluid test; graphic test readings; shots of penis lesions before and after penicillin treatment; and gonococcus organisms before and after treatment with penicillin. Produced by the United States Public Health Service.

Target TB (National Tuberculosis Association, 1950)

This film was produced to encourage Americans to get chest x-rays. The narrator first introduces a TB germ, which is personified as a weapon-wielding cartoon attacking people ages 15-45. The narrator then explains that TB kills one American every 9 minutes, which is more lives lost than soldiers at war. He then says that the disease is preventable, and a series of concerned citizens ask why it is not cured.

Time Out (National Tuberculosis Association, 1947)

This film featuring actress June Lockhart traces the story of Larry, a news reporter who is diagnosed with tuberculosis. He is ashamed, and unwilling to talk about it or follow his doctor’s orders to go to a sanatorium. The film follows Larry as he tells his supportive fiancee, hears the stories of others, and begins to accept his diagnosis. Larry is admitted to a a pleasant-looking sanatorium with caring staff, but still has trouble adjusting. He is non-communicative and has nightmares.

Asian Influenza Vaccination (USPHS, 1957)

These television spots were designed to encourage individual and family vaccination against the Asian flu pandemic of 1957, an outbreak of influenza that was first identified in February 1957 in East Asia and subsequently spread worldwide. Produced by the Communicable Disease Center of the United States Public Health Service. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/8800001A(link is external).

Unsuspected (National Tuberculosis Association, 1951)

Facts about the discovery of unsuspected cases of tuberculosis. Shows how community health agencies, including the public health nurse, the social worker, and the home demonstration agent, assist in the rehabilitation of patients and aid the families of tubercular patients to solve their problems. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/8800148A(link is external).

Immunization against Infectious Diseases (University of Michigan, 1966)

The advantages of immunization against disease, rather than its treatment with antibiotics, are presented. The diseases against which immunizations have been developed are listed. Reported cases of the following diseases for the years 1950 to 1965 are shown on charts and United States maps: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, smallpox, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, scarlet fever and other streptococcal diseases, poliomyelitis, measles, hepatitis, mumps, brucellosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, rabies in man, cholera, plague, typhus, and yellow fever.

Reconnaissance for Yellow Fever in the Nuba Mtns, Southern Sudan 1954 (Telford Work, 2006)

An Epidemiological Expedition into the Interior of Africa In the early 1950s Dr. Telford H. Work and Dr. Richard Moreland Taylor traveled to the Sudan to study an outbreak of yellow fever. Flying to Khartoum, they took their equipment by train to El Obeid, and by jeep to the Nuba Mountains (spanning the southern part of the present-day post-partition Sudan and the northern part of South Sudan). Accompanied by Dr.

They Do Come Back (National Tuberculosis Association, 1940)

Young man of "Everytown" has an oral hemorrhage which subsequent examination and tests show was caused by tuberculosis. He goes to sanitarium for treatment and extensive bed rest. Epidemiological investigation reveals source of infection was lip contact with his fiancée. The importance of occupational therapy and aptitude tests is demonstrated during the patient's recovery and rehabilitation. Scenes include: sputum and blood samples, enlarged tubercle bacilli, tuberculin test, X-ray, pneumothorax surgery, and patient drafting in occupational therapy.

Space Spraying (Communicable Disease Center, 1954)

This film demonstrates techniques of space spraying for insect control over large and small areas, both indoors and out, and shows various types of power-spraying equipment. Shots include: airplane spraying, mosquito larviciding on pond, fogging in neighborhood at night, etc. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/8800044A(link is external).

The Nurse Combats Disease (Communicable Disease Center, 1962)

This program reviews with the aid of drawings the nurse's role in the prevention of disease. Emphasis is placed on factors which influence the transmission of disease. Techniques which can be used for preventing the transmission of disease are reviewed. Factors which affect the natural history of disease are also discussed. These factors include the characteristics of the organisms which cause disease and host resistance. Environmental factors such as climate which have an effect on disease and the organism's ability to resist it are identified.

Multiple Screening (Communication Materials Center, 1950)

This film promotes the concept of multiple screening. The narrator first explains that Americans in the 1800s had many health concerns, but modern medicine has alleviated many problems and life expectancy has risen. Still, blood pressure, obesity, heart and kidney problems, tuberculosis, and syphilis are persistent problems. Early detection can fix them. The narrator introduces the concept of multiple screening, in which blood and urine samples, x-rays, and other testing methods can be used to screen for several different diseases rather than just one.