Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-12-23
DIPHTHRRIA.
Its VI ode Of Attack, the symptoms the
Precautions 20 h Taken, Etc.

Its Mode of Attack, the symptom the
Precautions 20 he Taken, Etc.
The following circular about diph-
liberia, issued by The New York board
of health, will be found worth reading
by the people of any locality:
MODE OF ATTACK.
Diphthcria is caused by the inocula-
tion of the air passages with the diph-
theritic poison, which from this point
infects the whole system; the local in
fam nation is attended by the formation
of membrane (exudationl the fever
and general symptoms are the result OF
this local infection.
HOW 1T SPREADS.
Diphtheria is therefore a contagious
disease (not perhaps rs marked rs scar
let fever) induced by contact with per-
sons and objects infected. 1t may be
dif'used by the exhalalions Of the sick,
by the air surrounding them, or directly
by the exudation, communicated in the
act Of kissing, coughing, splitting, sneez-
ing, or by the infected articles used, az
towels, napkins, handkerchicfs, etc.
The poison clings with great tenacity to
certain places, rooms and houses, where
it may occasion cases after the lapse Of
months.
SYMPTOMS.
In ordinary attacks the poison begins
TO act the moment it lodges upon the
tissues; but, like a vaccination, causes
but slight sensible effects in from two
to five days; then there is marked pros
tration, dryncss of throat and pricking
pain in swallowing; the throat becomes
red and patches of white cxudation APP
pear and tho glands OF the neck swell.
In mild cases symptoms subside on the
third or fourth day from their appear
anccs; If more severe these symptoms
may be prolonged; il uniavorab.e the
fever increases, the local inflammation
spreads and exhaustion rapidly follows.
PREDIsPosSG CONDITIONS.
The Person. -Diph,heria attacks by
preference children between the ages Of
one and ten years (the greatest mortality
being in the second, third and fourth
year,, children Of feeble constitu ton
and those weakened by previous sick
ness, and those suffering from catarrh,
Group ana other forms Of throat afcc-
tions.
Social Relations. s.-Ali classes are liable
to diphtheria where il is prevailing, but
those suffer most who live on low, wet
grounds; in houses with imperfect
drains or surrounded by offensive mat
tiers, as pTivIes, dccaying animal and
vegetable refuse; in damp rooms, rs
cellars; in ovcrcrowded and unycnti-
lated apartments.
Seasons.-Diphthcria is not affected
by either heat or cold, drought or rain.
PRECAUTIONS.
(a) The Dwelling or Apartment
Cleanliness in and around the dwelling
and pure air in living and sleeping
Rooms are of the utmost importance
where any contagious disease is prevail
ing, rs cleanliness tends both to prevent
and mitigate it. Every kind and source
of filth around and in the house should
be thoroughly removed; cellars and foul
areas should be cleaned and disinfected :;
drains should be put in perfect repair;
dirty walls and ceilings should be lime
washed and every occupied room should
be thoroughly ventilated. Apartments
which have been occupied by persons
sick with diphtheria should be cleansed
with disinfCCtants, ceilings lime washed
and woodwork painted; the carpets,
bed clothing, upholstered furniture, etc.
exposed many days TO fresh air and the
sunlight Gall articles which may be
boiled or subjected to high degrees Of
heat should be thus disinfected); such
rooms should be exposed to currents Of
fresh air, for at least one week before
reoccupation.
(b) When Diphtheria is Prevailing. -
No child should be allowed TO kiss
strange children nor those suffering from
sore throat (the disgusting custom Of
compelling children to kiss every visitor
is n well.contrived method of propa-
eating other grave diseases than dipL-
theria), nor should it sleep with nor be
confined to rooms occupied by, or use
articles as toys taken in the mouth
handkerchiefs, etc, belonging TO chill
dren having sore throat, Group or
catarTh. II the weather is cold the
child should be warmly clad with fan
nels.
(c) When diphtheria is in the House
or in the Family. The we'll children
should be scrupulously kept apart from
the sick in dry, well.aired rooms. and
every possible source OF infection