The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-08-28
YELLOW FEVER.

1t is scarcely possible that the yellow fever
will reach this city, and yet SO uncertain are
the strides 1t takes that such q disaster might
occur, and though the chances are as one to
thousand an ounce of prevention may save
us from the scourge Undoubtedly the most
likely way in which it may present itself is
by the fleeing persons who come to this city
from the inflicted regions of the south, and
though even in this manner it would not be
likely to assume the proportions off an cpl.
demic, it would necessarily cause great al
arm, and few general, reliable words of in
struction are not amiss when even the re-
hottest possibility of the disease appearing is
admitted. Surgeon General Woodwork, of
the United States marine hospital service,
has most definite understanding of the
character of the yellow fever, the localitiesit
ravages, the best remedies and the best pre-
ventives, and he has embodied this informa-
ton in letter which may prove useful to
the many. In regard to the character of the
scourge he writes briefly as follows:
The weight of scientific evidence seems to
warrant the conclusion that yellow fever is
produced by invisible poison, capable of
sell mulTlDllcaIlO0 the human OTEdn-
ism, which 1t enters through the air passages.
In some instances IL has been carried inland
with the people fleeing from infected locali-
ties, but IL has never SHOWN disposition TO
spread epidemically at points remote from the
continuous water roads of commerce, or TO
In gh hs al psn f from the
disease. Yellow fever can not be said to be
epidemic in the United states. from the fact
that in some years ii does not appear, though
the Imported germ undoubtedly survives the
mild winters. 1t appears TO have about as
much resistance OF cold as the banana plant.
When the banana stalk is killed down by the
again imported. The germ is transmissible.
1t is capable OF being transported IN the CLOTH
ing or personal effects of passengers AMI sail
ors. bat its spread from one city another is
chiefly accom- plished by vessels, their damp,
filthy holds and bllge water being ITS iavorlte
lurking places. Confinement, moisture and
high tempera ure favor the multiplication or
virulence of the poison. Yellow fever is not
communicated from the SICK 10 the We'll, the
sick ana well being dangerous only as posi-
bic carriers of the poison germ or miasm.
Though not sufficiently demonstrated to state
as fact, still there seems good reason 10 believe
that much may be accomplished by individu-
al prophylaxia, by the use internally Of small
doses of sulphats of quinia at regular inter
walls. and of tincture of iron or chlOrate of pO-
tassa. AS the poison enters through the air
passages, IL has been suggested that the nasal
passages be bathed frequently with solution
containing quinine, to be applied by means OF
nasal spray. Boa r.
nurse of much experience, giving the
results of years of labor with yellow fever
patients, urges the plentiful use OF ice in
cooling the atmosphere of the sick room. 1t
is recommended that, If possible. tubs con-
tanning Ice in large quantities be placed on
tables about the bed of the invalid, and that
these be multiplied until the temperature
falls to degree where the air becomes pleas
ant and invigorating. The ice in the tubs is
to be renewed until the crisis is passed and
the patient safe. Outside preventives may
save the city not only from yellow fever but
from the kindred diseases. Decaying garbage
and vegetation must be carried OFT Cess
pools, stagnant water, filthy places must be
attended to by the police If citizens are in
attentive. Rank weeds, rotten fruits and
vegetables, neglected vacant lots must De
cleaned away, and where foul odors abound
dlsinfectants and deodorizers freely used,
There should be no parlying about this. II
the people will give no heed to common
sense and their own welfare the author
tiles of the city should see that these
matters are attended to and the expense put
upon those who refused to perform the need
full sanitary work. We would flee with
quaking hearts and blanctied cheeks from
the city if a half dozen cases of yellow
fever were to occur here, and yet poison
enough to fill score of cemeteries is accum-
ulatlng all about us. The alleys, the mar
row streets, the back yards, the vacant lots
of Indianapolis are breeding places for diph-
theris, typhoid, bilious and malarial fevers
aud host of other diseases as dangerous,
but not as easily defined. A man who
would keep dozen kegs of powder in his
cellar would be dealt with by law. but little
or no attention is paid to heaps OF refuse
garbage, that with its Ioathsome breath is as
perilous as the miniature magazine hidden
under the floor. 1t does not need very
careful search to reveal these matters Any
of these August nights, when the air is
sultry and oppressive, the stencil that
ascends from these reeking masses of pollu-
ton fills the air until every man, woman
and child breathes an atmosphere fit only
for the Black Hole of Calcutta. The children
poisoned die, the adults fight, with stronger
constitutions, the wearying deadly battle
with malarial diseases, and unless fortified
with rich, pure blood and an unweakened
! physical nature succumb, and the death
notice tells the result Mayor Cayen has
directedthe investigation. When the mat
ter is clearly revealed by the proper per-
sons, let the authorities order the remedies