Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-09-21
YELLOW FEVER.
Circular of the state Board of Health.

In view Of the extensive spread and ex
traordinary virulence OF the Yellow Fe-
yer in the Southern and Southwestern
States, and of the apprshensions felt BY
some Of our citizens that it may visit the
Pacific Coast, the California State Board
of Health consider it proper, under the
law defining their duties, 10 issue this
circular for the information Of those who
are not acquainted with the nature and
history OF the disease.
The national home of the Yellow Fever
is in the West Indies, from which it ex-
tends, under circumstances favoring its
development, to those parts of both con
tlnents, bordering on tho Atlantic Ocean,
in the tropical and north temperate zones
1t is not disease of the Pacific Coast,
and has never prevailed on this coast
north Of the equator and only few times
in certain localities on the South Ameri-
can Coast. 1t confines its march gener-
ally to the limit of ocean commerce, to
the low lands ofthe Gulf States, and the
water courses they receive, seldom rising
many feet above the level of the sea. Ii
has never crossed the Isthmus OF Darien,
nor the narrow portion Of the continent ia
the Northward, though it frequently pre-
walls in Vera Cruz and other places in
the Gulfof Mexico. 1t has never broken
out in the temperature below the average
100 or 72o-a heat of at least 80 being
considered most favorable to its develop
ment. As the mean temperature Of the
coast of California, in the warmest months
OF summer and autumn, never rises much
above 600, even at the extreme southern
limit of San Diego, we may consider our
selves efficiently protected in this direc-
ton by the climate alone. Although the
! interior of the State would not be exempt
on the ground of temperature, yet it re-
csives II certain amount ofprotection from
the cold ocean on the one side, and the
high mountains ranges on the other
That we cannot, however, implicitly rely
upon the preventative influence of some
of what may be regarded to be the natur-
al laws Of the disease, is shown by the
fact is true as reported, that Yellow Fe-
yer has made its appearance on an emf.
grant car, near the State line, in the
persons of refugees from q Southwestern
State.
The disease may be carried in the body
by persons who have dwelt in an infected
district, and may develop itself in them
after their rem oval to cons id cradle dis
lance, and after Che lapse Of consider
able time; but it does not communicate
itself from one to another like small. pox
and other undoubted contagious diser-
ders.
Experience teaches, however, that
when cpidemics prevail with exceptional
malignity, they often break through the
ordinary restraints, especially when loca
causes favor their propagation. Hence it
is advisable, on tn is account, as well as
for general purposes, that sanitary pre-
cautions be adopted, both by individuals
and families, and by Boards OF Health
and pubic authorities. The State Board
of Health, therefore. urge upon citizens
the necessity Of using every p7ocaution to
secure perfect cleanliness and pure mir in
and around their dwellings, and upon the
authorities to enforce the laws in relation
to streets and alleys, the publication of
collars, cesspools, and privies, and the
ventilation Of drains and sewers.
Diphtheria still rages in number Of
localities on the Pacific slope, and its
fatal incursions will be invited by damp
md filth, and ether insalubrious condi-
tons. Besides, there are other diseases
from which our population would be
protected by the adoption Of proper
hygienic measures.
BY order OF the Board OF Health.
II. GIBBONS, M. D., President
State Board OF Health.
f. W. HATCH, NJ. D., Secretary
State Board of Health.