Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-01-12
Concerning Smallpox.

WHAT HFALTH OFFICER TowNsHENp sAys-w.su
INGToN FREE FROM THE sCoURGE so FAR-pRE-
CAUTI0NARY MEASURES TAKEN.
AS that loathsome disease smallpox seems to
have been gaining considerable Roadway and
causing no small amount OF alarm In several
prominent cities Of the country, east and west a
STAR reporter called upon Health Officer Town
shend to ascertain what that Official thought OF
the probability OF visit from the unweleome
visitor in this region.
"Well," responded the doctor In response IN a n
inquiry from The STAR, 81 do not think we have
any grave cause for alarm as yet Our success In
conilnlng the contagon IN the few cases which
have come to our attention this season fs OF
course, encouraging, and the very succt ssful bat
tie which we made with the scOGrge In the winter
OF 1879 SO adds confidence TO the feeling of ability
to grapple with 1t whenever it appears. Yet at
the Same time, we are net resting I'm fancfed
urity. Every possible precautloR which the
lilnlted means at our command would allow. has
been taken. We are ready to act promptly in any
emergency, and it s upon prompt action and the
enforcement OF stringent measures that we rely
for the protection of our people,"
SIS 1t not possible, DOCTOR" asked the reporter
that cases might be imported into our midst and
Cne Iact or their existence concealed from you?n
81 think not Ihave no fear OF embarrassment
from such source. 1 cannot bring myself to be-
lieve that there is member of the medical frstPr.
nifty In this District who would so far forget him
sell as TO act any such part as you indicate. No!
me physicians are very prompt to report all cases
sponsblity."
"What are the precautions that have been taken.
doctor?" '''N''''
"Well, the usual measures for prompt action in
removal to hospital, isolation, dfsiu!ecton sc
Then, In addition to this, Washington and the Dis
trct is much better prepared in many ways TO
meet such disease as smallpox than are MANY OF
her sister cities OF the Union In the first place
city clean then, again, the general tntsEfyenc.
naoits OF life and surroundings OF our population
are different from those OF any commercial or
Manufacturing city, and are, to a certain extent,
proof against the Introduction or spread of an in.
Iectious or cont tgious disease. The enforcement
OF vaccination In the public schools keeps our
entire population was gone over pretty thoroughly
IN Che general vaccination OF 1879 and then the
general cleanliness OF city is barrier against
the spread OF such disease as smallpox
have many vaccinations been made this sea-
son, D0ctorf"
"Well, yes; quite number. In the neighbor.
hood OF one thousand poor persons have been yac.s
cihated, ana great number, possessing the flnan-
cial ability to do So have resor:ed to the prOtac.
tive power OF bovine virus Our means are very
clnation 10 objects or charity. All persons should
De revaccfnated every i've years, and I would re-
comena all our citizens to call on their physi-
and none should hesitate to avail Themselves n,
the projection 1t Affords"
"Aaveyou any new cases, Doctors"
season, and the last OF these is now rapldy eon'
SaeScing, and WIN soon be ready to discharge from
tho Wnat is being done 70 prevent Introduction of
"Wen, about the most effective measures OF
when am aware are those taken by the Baiti-
more ana ONO Railroad Company, the mail service,
and the Pullman Palace Car Company. All the
employees OF the railroad and car COMPANIES and
Che mall service have been ordered TO be yaccf- |
nated while the B. & O. have gone so far as TO
c1nation OF all emigrants passing over their road"
Inc Doctor here assured THE STAR that nothing |
would be kept from the public, and our reporter |