Final answer:
Ellis Island's medical records for immigrants document communicable diseases and serve as 'Immigration health records,' which are integral to U.S. public health history. These records aided epidemiologists and formulated public health policies, reflecting historical procedures and attitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical records created for immigrants at Ellis Island were primarily to document cases of communicable diseases and are best classified as b) Immigration health records. These records played a vital role in the public health history of the United States by preventing the introduction and spread of contagious diseases. Ellis Island served as a critical point of entry where European immigrants arriving in the United States went through medical screenings. Health professionals such as doctors and nurses inspected the immigrants, and these evaluations included checks for diseases like trachoma. The inspections ensured that the individuals entering the country would not pose a public health risk.
The records kept at Ellis Island were used by epidemiologists to gather information and track diseases, serving as valuable data for developing public health policies. The process of immigration health screening back then offers insights into the evolution of immigration procedures and public health strategies, including the enforcement of contract-labor laws to protect domestic workers. Additionally, the affluent were often excluded from Ellis Island inspections, reflecting historical attitudes towards class and health.