Serum arrives in Nome, inspired Iditarod

February 2, 1925: Diphtheria serum reaches Nome, Alaska. In the 1920s there were 100,000-200,000 cases of diphtheria in the US yearly causing 13,000-15,000 deaths. It is an upper respiratory illness presenting with a sore throat and low fever. The membranes of the throat become inflamed and cause the neck to swell. Nerves are attacked by the Gram-positive bacteria resulting in loss of motor control and sensation. The disease was once widespread and several scientists developed antitoxin serums for the disease during the 1890s. The serums did not effect a cure, but instead neutralized the toxins in the blood. The first vaccine was developed in 1913.

Nome, Alaska is located on the Seward Peninsula in Northwest Alaska and even today is unreachable by car. Nome is 539 air miles north of Anchorage or a 1 hour and 15 minute jet ride in today's planes. At one time, it was the most populous city in Alaska due to a gold rush in the area. The city has a large indigenous population with 51% of the residents listed as Native Americans in the 2000 Census. The city lies just south of the Arctic Circle.

In the summer of 1924, Dr. Curtis Welch and his support staff of 4 nurses ran the 24-bed Maynard Columbus Hospital in Nome. His supply of 8,000 units of diphtheria antitoxins from 1918 was outdated. He sent an order for more antitoxin to the health commissioner in Juneau 1,008 air miles away. The replacement serum did not arrive before the port closed for the winter. The first case of diphtheria presented in December and the child soon died. By January 22, 1925, Dr. Welch sent a telegram pleading for 1,000,000 units of antitoxin to stop the epidemic. The normal dosage is 1500-5000 units, depending on weight.

The serum was readied. The port was closed, iced in for the winter. There were three World War I vintage planes operating in Alaska but they were dismantled. They used water cooled engines and were unreliable in the Alaskan winter weather. The "Great Race of Mercy" was run by 20 mushers and around 150 sled dogs in a relay covering 674 miles in a record breaking 5.5 days. The town was saved and the quintessential Alaskan race was inspired. The Iditarod is run yearly and covers 1,161 miles and ends in Nome.

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"An epidemic of diphtheria is almost inevitable here STOP I am in urgent need of one million units of diphtheria antitoxin STOP Mail is only form of transportation STOP I have made application to Commissioner of Health of the Territories for antitoxin already STOP There are about 3000¢White natives in the district." – telegram from Dr. Welch

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