Stop 6 the medical exam

Ellis Island Medical Inspections

Overview of Immigrant Processing at Ellis Island

• Ranger Kathleen introduces the topic, highlighting that 2,000 to 5,000 immigrants were inspected daily at Ellis Island, leading to a rapid inspection process known as "six-second inspections."

• Inspectors relied on observational skills rather than tools; they assessed breathing patterns and walking styles to identify potential medical issues.

• If an inspector noted a concern, they marked the immigrant's coat with chalk for further medical testing. Most individuals sent to the hospital were eventually allowed entry after recovery.

Health Concerns During Inspections

• Contagious diseases posed significant risks; immigrants with such conditions could not enter until fully recovered. Diseases like smallpox, measles, and cholera were major concerns.

• The eye disease trachoma was particularly problematic during inspections. It is caused by bacteria that create bumps on the eyelid's underside and is contagious.

Trachoma Testing Procedures

• Inspectors used a button hook—a tool not typically found in medical settings—to examine for trachoma by flipping up eyelids. While this method was generally non-painful if done gently, it may have been uncomfortable for some immigrants.