New-York tribune., 1874-09-08
RAyAGEs OF DIPHTHERIA.

yiARKED DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CASES IN
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. THAT THE DISEASE
MAY BECOME AN EPIDEMIC.
The rumored prevalence OF dlphtherla IN
Brooklyn has caused justly, considerable anxiety anu
alarm in many holds, but though the disease mas
been almost epidemic, the past week shows narkeu
decrease in the number of The fatality OF the
disease has about the usual per centage twenty
seven cases have reported for the last week In
August and only ~ for the week just ended. While
no locality seems absolutely free from diphtheria,
yet the surroundings in the tenement districts
mako those sections the that largely increase
the rate OF mortality.
Epidemics OF diphheria unknown in this country
20 years ago. Some of the oldest practitioners in large
cities declared eight that they had never seen
what could be pronounced genuine and undouoted
of the disease but 1t has gained foothod In this
city aud in Brooklyn, and may 10 an epidemic
at any time. The conditions most favorable to the
spread OF this disease found in those districts where
the genc conducive to health are least en-
forced Tie disease develops eminently contagious
"fomtes" and beside the membrane exuding upon the
portion OF the mouth, throat and nostrs, may
be ransplanted to another and the disease be repro
duced The history of of recent occurrence shows
that in crowded tenement tne disease once setuen
rarely stops before its malignant course has run through
the entire household. Where the family have the re-
of the weo do they can surround the SICK win
many comforts which also prove protection 10 others
in the house.
Natural affection Tor the SICK Ole0 causes tHOse
that result spreading the infectious element
If this cannot he guarded against i'll the fales OF the
rich how much more is the disease liable TO spread
through the tenements OF the pOOrl A case upon
Staten Island illustrated the malignant spread OF
dlphtheria The children of wealthy man were all
hurried the grave by this disease the mother fol-
lowed, and the father nearly crazy with grle 1ed frOm
his home though it were plague-sp0t. instances
have been reported this past Summer where the dsease
has not only swept away family OF mother and
three children but has also attacked the neighbors who
bave nursed the Sick and the disease has through
the tenement.
Eminent pny sicians declare that the disease has got
a iOOthold IN this city and III BROOKLYN The family
physician should always called early possible
Isolation OF the sick from the well ought always TO be
strict except such persons may be absolutely neces
sary for Them The immediate disinfection OF
all cloths and napkins used by the sick ought 10 be in
sisted upon. II has been suggested that 1t would be
wise establish hospital for patients attacked by
diphheria the same for those afflicted with smallpox
THIS would separate ectualy the sick from the
well. Trained nurses would attend the patents and
the sanitary measures important In this disease
would be carried out thoroughly Other physicians say
that though this would, doubt, be wise measure
yet it is matter OF grave doubt whether any hygienic
utterly stamp the disease out OF TINS CITY
and the surrounding country Though the record or tue
disease, both in Brooklyn and this city, shows
naked decrease for the past week, yet the
very next report may set forth marked increase
The disease perhaps cannot now be considered cpl
but the opinion the leading physicians is that
an epedemc of dplthera may break out at any time;
that the number of may he far increased
that the disease will be declared epidemic