Call Number:

MSS 448

Repository:

Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 half document box)

Language:

English

Date:

1976-1977 (inclusive)

Creator:

Graitcer, Philip L.

Abstract:

This small collection contains materials related to the investigation of the 1976 Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Philadelphia. It includes letters from the public; an investigation journal that acts as a timeline of the outbreak investigation; survey data and reports; and articles and reprints on Legionnaires' disease. Researchers should note that access to folder 3 is restricted to protect patient privacy.

Philip Graitcer is an Adjunct Professor of Global Health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, and the Facilitator of the World Health Organization's Helmet Initiative. He was a member of the team sent by the CDC to investigate the 1976 Legionnaires' disease outbreak. In 1976 there was an outbreak of pneumonia among attendees of the American Legion convention in Philadelphia. The previously unknown bacterium, Legionella, was identified as the causative agent and given its name on January 18, 1977.

The Philip L. Graitcer collection on the 1976 Legionnaires' disease outbreak contains materials related to the investigation of the 1976 Legionnaires' disease outbreak that occurred among attendees of an American Legion convention held at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. This small collection includes letters from the general public in response to the CDC's investigation; an investigation journal that provides a timeline of the investigation; and copies of surveys used to track symptoms among guests and employees of the Bellevue-Stratford hotel, as well as survey data and reports. Articles and reprints on Legionnaires' disease are also included in the collection. Researchers should note that access to folder 3 is restricted to protect patient privacy.