New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1866-08-25
How Cholera is Contagious aud Its Treat.
ment.

The London Times of the 23d of July, admits
'sthat the cholera, after lowering around our
coasts with sort of ndecision, has at length in
vaded the country in earnest.n sit is extremely
opportune,n y the Times remarks, "that at such a
moment statement should have been laid before
the public which gives distinct account, on the
highest of the principal facts ascertaned
respecting the nature and contagiousness Of
cholera, and respecting the kind of precautions
which are necessary to prevent its diffusion"
The medical officer Of the privy council of Eng
land has presented q most interesting discussion
on "Foreign Epidemics and Quarantine in his
report just presented to Parliament and that
which is learned from this document is stated by
the Times as follows:
" The first point clearly ascertained is that
cholera is one of those diseases which are propa-
gated by human intercourse. In other words it
is distinctly contagious disease. The contagion,
of course, may be very different from that which
propagates fevers. In the latter case the emana-
tons from the body appear to be the sources of
infection. But in cholera it is the discharges which
are the principal means of propagating the dis
ease. If these discharges are not Immediately
| disinfected, they soon develop highly infec-
| tive power, and the smallest quantity Of
quality to other aecumu1ations, and even
| to large volumes of water. In conse-
quence not only do the effluvia from these
| Accommodations become dangerous, but, what is of
more Importance, if the poison leaks in the small
est degree into wells or running streams, the dis
ease may be spread'oVer whole district by means
| of the water supply. So important is this source
of diffusion, that geological conditions of soil and
the varying height of the water level in wells
have been found to be materially connected with
the spread of the disease; and SO subtle and dan
gerons is this influence that such things as bed
ding and clothing may long retain their Infectious
properties. and be the means of exciting cholera.
outbreaks wherever they may be aene for washing
or other purposes.
"Such are the well-ascertained facts about
cholera, upon which all our measures of preoau-
ton must be based. OF course Dr. Simon is
careful to guard himself against being thought to
deny the concurrence Of occult Influences such as
atmospheric conditions and local pecularties.
These, however, are for the present unknown, but
that the disease is communicable by human inter-
course in the!manner we have stated, is now well
known, and is the fact upon which it behooTes US
to act.
wherever cholera appears, the ut
: most vigilance ought to be directed to two
ponts-trst, to the prompt disinfection of the dis
charges, clothes and houses Of the sick; and,
secondly, to the condition of the water supply.
In some cases it may be desirable to close the
wells and pumps altogether, and in all cases the
water should be carefully examined But besides
this, the sick should be far possible isolated
and the utmost endeavOr should be made to treat
them in special hospitals. Nor, where such a
precauton is feasible, would it be at all an excess
of vigilance to isolate their families for time.
, We are glad to see that this precauton is being
! actually adopted at Liverpool. The depot al
Bankhall has it appears, been reserved, nor for
the sick, but for the families of the SICK who will
thus be placed in sort of quarantine.