Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1832-07-25
70 BENJAMIN v. BEcKEs. ESQ.
THE CHOLERA.

+ Ertrdcts from the Report Of the Quebec Board
y FedHh.-lt has been found in every part of
Inc World that the spasmodic cholera unitorm
seiies and destroys, with rapidity of lightning
thoe who indulge in fermented liquors, and in
intenperance of any kind,-the dssolute-the
ldie->the dirty-all become its victims, while
nose who are clearly, temperate and Industrious,
escape
lhlsis matter for consolation and hope, espe
clally Tor people, who like the Canadians, in
the rural districts particularly, are distinguished
Tor their sobriety, industry and cleanliness; and
who, moreover, since they are exempt from the
evils OF extreme poverty, are proportionately Sc
cure from the more severe attacks of the disease
1t the spasmodic cholera therefore should ap-
pear among such people, it will probably be yerv
limited in its extent, and very mitigated in its
severity.
The following are the most valuable means of
security from the disease, and the Boa rd there
fore strongly recommend their adoption, if the
disease should appear in Canada:-
LIST. As there is reason to believe it is of con-
Itagious nature, although that opinion does not
appear to obtain universal assent, all unnecessary
communication should be prevented between the
infected and the healthy. This is not a reason
however for negecting the sick; duty and affec-
ton will, it is hoped, secure the faithful and ten
der discharge of that duty to all the afflicted; but
lit is the best of reasons for limiting the attend
ants upon them, to those alone who are necessary
for that object, and to exclude carefully, even Of
the same family, all Others.
The Board feel the great Importance of des-
troying in SO far as they are able, those ifound-
ed apprehensions of danger from infection which
create unreasonable fears in the public mind; to
the great aggravation of the calamity itself.
j 1t is commonly supposed, for instance, that a
person ill with an infectious disease spreads the
contagion to a considerable distance. Such,
however is not the fact with respect to this disease
so that it is safe to approach the sick very near
without any danger, and even to perform ali the
kind offices to our friends which their illness
requires, without great increase to it; that is,
provided care be taken 70 keep the apartment, the
patient, and the personal linen clean, the former
freely ventilated and umigated, it being well
understood that perfect cleanliness and free ven-
tilation are the great securities from infection OF
Jail kinds. 1t renders the poison innocent by
ldiution, and diffusion through the atmosphere.
For this reason, the patient laboring under
cholera, should be placed in separate and well
ventilated apartment, either of his own house, OF
be removed to building fitted up to receive the
sick, according to circumstances.
| Sd. The personal clothing OF the sick during
the course of the disease, should be Immediately
plunged into cold water, and permitted to soak
until washed, &c,
! The room where he has been attacked SHOULD
be thoroughly cleansed, by scrubbing, lime wash
ing, the lime being fresh and hot, and by free ven
tilaton. Ii the means are at hand by aspurga
ton with chloride of lime.
4th. To correct offensive smells, chloride Of lin,
L. :. Al l. L. - - ii
caution, since its fumes are apt to affect the gene
raj health unfavorably.
Those who die of the disease, should be wrap
ped in the clothing in which they expire, ane
placed Immediately, when death is surely ascer
tanned, in well closed collins carefully smeared or
the inside with pitch and tar. The bodies SHOULD
be buried Immediately, and should not be taker
into churches, but directly to the place Of burial
4th. Ii is Of the utmost impoI tance to the pub
lie health that an improved diei and flame
lclothing, at least flannel bslts and weolen stock