Typhoid is spreading through Dodge City. The Marshal's office has been converted into a makeshift hospital with Kitty Russell and Olive from the Long Branch Saloon acting as caretakers and nurses. The citizens of Dodge are demanding action, and Doc Adams is on the hot seat.
Howard McNear makes the first of six appearances in the Gunsmoke television series. He plays the prominent Dodge resident known as Mr. Bradley in this episode. Most Gunsmoke fans know McNear portrayed Doc Adams on the radio version of Gunsmoke. In a few years he would begin his iconic series of performances as Floyd Lawson (Floyd Colby in one episode) on The Andy Griffith Show.
A couple of lesser-known veteran actors make their only Gunsmoke appearance in this episode. Patrick O'Moore plays Mr. Matthews, and Norbert Schiller portrays Franz Beltzer, a blacksmith.
Lisa Golm was a Jewish actress who fled Nazi Germany with her husband. In her only Gunsmoke role, she plays Mrs. Saur, once of the locals who becomes ill.
Evelyn Scott returns for the final time as Long Branch employee Olive. She had previously appeared in the "Tap Day for Kitty" episode. Howard Culver -- who often appeared as the hotel clerk, Howie -- plays Mr. Hannah. (Culver's character appears to be the same character that would later be addressed as "Howie." He states he is owner of the Dodge House. However, the last name used for Howie in a few other episodes is "Uzzell.")
This story addresses the harmful effects of fear on a large group of people, as well as exploring the state of medicine during the middle and late 1870s. This story predates the adult life of Mary Mallon, who was born in 1869 and later became known as "Typhoid Mary."
With this story, Gunsmoke viewers are treated to their first glimpse of the Doc Adams character that would become such a loved figure. Prior to this episode, Doc was a more cantankerous, confrontational character -- at times unlikable. He was often at odds with Matt Dillon in the earlier episodes. Here, the two demonstrate mutual respect and friendship.