Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-03-24

we suppose, Of " better late than never
Circular from the state Board OF II eaIIb.
In consequence Of the prevalence Of small
poK in many OF the neighboring States, and
the danger OF its spread in Tennessee, the
State Board Of Health deem it proper to
make public some suggestions to the best
means of preventing the lodgment or spread
Of disease so dreadful in its nature. OF all
epidemic forms of disease that sffiict COM
munities, none are, perhaps, more to be
loathed, and more to be dreaded; and yet
none 50 easily to be avoided. II IL the most
strictly contagious OF al contagious diseases.
To avoid Its poison We have but TO avoid Its
touch. Its death-dealing virus is a visible,
tangible entity. When once it iInpressss the
system, that system is forever after exempt
from its poisonous influence.
There are then two ways to protect against
it. The one, to forever shut out by quaran-
tine, the other, TO forestal it by submitting
10 It's modified impress, which is vaccination.
As neither means can be made absolutely
perfect it is recommended that they supple
ment each other by being made as nearly
perfect as possible. Keep the entire popu-
Iation as thoroughly vaccinated as it is pos
sible TO do, and then see that no source OF
infection ia introduced among them.
1t has been recommended by the board,
and the recommendation has been promul-
gated by the state superintendent Of public
instruction, that pupil or teacher should
be allowed to enter the public schools Of the
State without being first efiectually vac
cinated. II Is hereby again urged that that |
recommendation be rigidly enforced, and it |
is further recommended that all local boards |
of health, municipal and county authorities |
take such steps as may be necessary TO secure |
the vaccination of the entire population, by
affording free vaccination, or otherwise, and |
that all steamboats,, railroad companies, and |
all public works look to the certain vaccina- |
ton of all persons in their employ.
For further security against the possible |
spread of smallpox every community in its |
authoritative character, through boards OF
health or otherwise, should place under rigid |
pox or suspected smallpox. Persons who |
have been exposed to infection should be |
isolated during the period OF incubation, |
fourteen days from date of exposure. Per-
sons suspected of having the disease in its |
developmental stage, should be quarantined !
until diagnosis is satisfactorily made out
1t is highly important that notice of an |
should at once be given the secre- |
tary OF this board, that he may render such |
assistance as may be required. Great injury
sometimes arises to a community from fall |
ure to attend TO this precaution. If there is !
a board of health in the vicinity, il should |
be notified at once, and at the same time it is |
the duty OF the CITIZENS TO take all necessary |
measures in their power TO restrict the dis |
ease. Hang up yellow flag at the house to |
warn ignorant persons of danger. All per |
sons exposed should Immediately be vac |
as they will by this simple precau-
ton escape with at the worst varioloid. The |
vaccination will lake" in from three to FIVE |
days, while the smallpox itself will not de- |
velop under from twelve to fourteen days. l
1t is, therefore, vitality important that ex- |
posed persons should be vaccinated without |
delay.
In the absence OF local BoarI of Health |
it is the duty of the civil authorities to at |
tend to these details. By act OF the legisla-
ture, it is the duty of each County Court TO |
provide nurses, sustenance, and pay all |
other necessary expenses accruing from an |
Of smallpox. (See Thompson & |
Steger's Revised Laws of Tennessee. In the |
interim OF a session of the County Court the |
Judge or chairman of the court is authorized |
TO issue warrants for the purpose OF restrict
ing the disease.
The State Board OF Health stands ready |
to co operate with local boards and county |
officers in the management OF all cases OF |
smallpox when promptly reported, and it |
advises against all concealment |
under a mistaken idea of suppressing excite |
ment, as such a course may be fraught with |
the direst results. A belief that commercial |
interests may suffer is no excuse. A false |
confidence may arise which will lead to great |
injury. On the contrary, every publicity pos |
sible should be given TO the end that proper |
-fars NAV he takeO