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Two men, J. P. and R. T., were examined in the office of Dr. John G. Downing on Jan. 2, 1940. Both of these men were employed by the same firm as "carbon machine operators" and worked at adjoining machines. J. P. had an eruption of six weeks' duration and R. T. one of three weeks' duration. For both an unequivocal diagnosis of pityriasis rosea was made.
Although one is inclined to believe that this observation is mere coincidence, I feel that it is worth while to report suspicious cases of possibly contagious pityriasis rosea. Of more importance is the suggestive incubation period in the case of the second patient and the interesting industrial question which is raised.
Curiously, the next patient to be examined on January 2, Miss M. K., also had pityriasis rosea. Inquiry from other sources revealed that pityriasis rosea was unusually prevalent and unseasonable in New