The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1881-01-22
Diph.heria and scarlet Fever.

Commissioner James Crane, M. D., of the
Brooklyn Health Department, in view of the
prevalence of diphtheria and scarlet fever
in that city, few days ago, caused circular;
to be distributed, setting forth the following
facts aud recommendation to restrict and
prevent contagion:-
Diphtheria anl scarlet fever are highly
contagious diseases, attacking persons of all
ages. They may be contracted from per.
sons that are already affected, from the
clothes they have worn and from everything
which has been in the room with them
Even the walls of the room may infect per
sons coming into it alter the patient has re.
covered, unless the poison is destroyed. In
order 10 prevent their spread in a family oI
house where they exist and 10 promote TIE
recovery OF the persons attacked the follow
ing simple measure should be conscientious.
| ly and rigidly carried out, thereby prevent.
ing much suffering and saving human life
An upper, sunny room, provided, if pos
sible with an open fireplace, and with nc
other children on the same floor, should be
arranged for the patient by removing every
thing from it which can possibly 5e spared
such as books, clothing and window cur
tains, remembering that when once the pa
tent has entered the room nothing can with
safety be removed until disiniected or fumi-
gated. One or two adults should take the
entire charge of the patient, under no cir.
cumstances coming in contact with other
persons, more especially children. Open
windows and open ireplaees, with fire in
them day and night, avoiding draughts and
/ ha al oh he
nurse them. Nothing should be removed
from the room when the patient has once
entered it until has been thoroughly dlsin-
leeted or fumigated.
Procure from drug store one pound OF
sulphaie of zinc; the price should not ex-
ceed thirty cents. Put into an ordinary
water pail eight tablespoonfuls Of sulphate
OF zine and four OF common salt, and 10 this
add one gallon Of boiling water. This dis.
injecting solution is TO be kept in the room
and into it should be placed aud kept ior
one hour, every article of soiled clothing
bedding, handkerchief, &c. When they
are removed from il they should be put into
boiling water before being washed. Phe
dishes and spoons used by the patient should
be put into boiling water before they are
permitted 10 leave the room. Remember
that every article which is in the room eau
convey the disease and that nothing should
go from 1t until the poison which it might
carry is destroyed .
See that the whole house from cellar Ia
attic is clean. Keep the cellar dry, well
ventilated and well whitewashed, aud ney,
er allow, even Tor a day, garbage or Other
fifth to be kept in it. Open the win lows o
sleeping rooms every day Tor as long time
as possible, fresh air being an excellent dis
lniee'ant. Be sure that there are no deiec
tive traps in the drain pipes Of the house
through which the gases from decomposinj
hlth eau enter 10 pollute the air you breathe
When the children complain of sore thToa
send Tor a eompelent physician; a few hour
delay may cost their lives. II the disease /
pronouneet contagious, keep theother child
ren lrom school. The measures here recon
meuded are 10 be used in all contagious al
seases' whether dipthtberis, SCARLET fever 0
Ineaslos.