The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-27
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION.
The State Board of Health Issues a
Strict Sanitary Order
To Prevent the Spread of Epidemics Through
out the State-Excellent Hygienic
Rules for Individuals.

Health, yesterday, which was called for the pur.
pose of taking further precautionary measures
against the outbreak of an epidemic, the SANTA
ry condition of the State was carefully consid-
cred In relation to the probabilities OF vista
ton of cholera. Letters from different parts of
the State were read, showing that in some local
tiles highly insa ubriOus conditions existed, and
that, should there be an outbreak of almost any
kind Of an epidemic disease, the
spread would be likely to be very extensive.
1t is reported that Fort Wayne is in a very bad
condition, and there is an urgent need for the
immediate enforcement OF strict sanitary regu-
latlons. Among the letters which were received
from the rural districts it was shown that Posey
county was in an exceptionally unhealthy con-
dition. In fact, there is hardly any locality in
the State that, in a sanitary way is entirely
faultless, and many of the local health officers
nave reported that they are unable to strictly
enforce the regulations. Only the orders for
the removal of the rsnkest kinds of filth are
complied with II is, therefore, important that
the tension in the sanitary regulations should
be drawn tighter, and it was decided to issue
the following address to the local health officers,
| imperatively ordering the enforcement of pre-
cautlonary measures:
To County and City Health Officers:
:. In view Of the unusual prevalence OF malarial
diseases at this season of the year, and of the
X
states during the present summer months, the
State Board of Health deems It duty to place
the several cities and towns in the best possible
sanitary condition in order to prevent, II possi-
Die, the invasion and spread OF this scourge.
Dlslnfeotants and cleanliness the board recOg-
nlzes as the best measure to prevent the inva-
sion, as we'll as the best remedy TO prevent the
spread of the disease. Therefore, health officers
| OK the several counties of the State, and the
| health boards of all cities and towns are hereby
directed to take immediate action for the re-
| mOval of accumulatiOns of filth, such as decay
|
streets, alleys and lots OF their
respective municipalities. 1t Is import
ant that the cutters and drains be
flushed frequently, and kept clean. All privy
vaults, sinks and cess-pools should be thor
rules l, 2, and of rules and regulations of the
| State Board of Health All rank vegetation
promptly removed and destroyed, and not be
| lett to rot under the influence of rains and the
hot sun OF the summer. Hog pens. foul stables,
nnwholesome cellars, and all other places sus-
pected OF being or becoming injurious to public
health should be promptly cleaned and kept
clean.
Ii any resistance should be made to the execu-
tion OF this order. the health officer in theclty,
| town or county is directed to take immeffiate
| steps for the punishment of the Offenders as
provided in the Revised Statutes of 1881 for the
punishment Of "offenses against public health"
| (See sections 2,O65 to 2,075 inclusive.)
In the event of the appearance of cholera in
any county. city or town, the health officers
| should at once cause the isolation of cases, anu
| attend at once to the use of disinfectants, by
| burning OF coal tar and the free application of
lime OF copperas on the streets, alleys
| lses. Especial care should be taken to dis
| infect and destroy discharges from the
bodies of the persons sick of this disease. Too
| much attention cannot be given to the source of
| water supply in order to prevent it from becom-
| ing contaminated by i'm perfect drainage and sur
face water. All suspicious wells should be closed
up at once. (See rules and regulations of State
| Board of Heath for specific instructions)
| Health officers OF all Incorporated cities and
| towns throughout the State instructed TO
cause frequent and thorough inspections las di-
| Tected in rule IL of State Board of Healthy of all
vegetables and other articles offered for sale as
| food; such vegetables in a state of fermentation
| or decay are common source OF diseases Of this
| class.
]. W. COMPTON, President State Board of
| Health.
E. r, HAwN, Secretary and executive officer.
SOME HYGIENE RULES,
In the discussion upon the PROBABILITIES of a Wis
itation of cholera, the opinion was expressed
that, although there is less of a probability than
a possibility of the outbreak of the epidemic
here, it was likely to reach this country if it is
true that cases have appeard in London
| and Mexico, as reported. Even though there
should be no cholera here during this season,
The conditions il uhere is no change, for its ap-
pearance next year would be very good. Dr.
| Compton the president of the board, thought
that 1--WE are nearer the epidemic than is gener-
ally supposed" DR.. VIM. Lomax, of Marion
one of the Oldest and most reputable physicians
of the State, when requested to give his opinion
of the hygienic rules which individuals should
adopt a safeguard against the diseases Pc
culiar to the season, said:
To maintain healthy condition of the
system on the part of individuals Is the
surest protection against the spread of
epidemics. plain, wholesome diet, not
INDUCED to excess, is of the greatest i'm
portance in maintaining this condition. Snch
articles OF food as readily disturb the functions
of the stomach by their indigestible qualities
should be avoided Crude vegetables, unripe
fruits, melons, partially spoiled meats and par
TALLY decayed vegetables belong to this class
Beverages that readily ferment when taken in
the stomach, cider, beer, ale, and the like
should be INDUCED in sparingly or entirely re-
jected. They tend to stir up disturbances in
ance in regard to all intoxicating bever-
ages is an invaluable hygienic rule
Regular action of the bowels is an important
element OF prevention where cholera is threat
ened. Constipation should be avoided; it is liza
BILE to induce diarrhea Diarrhea, when occur
ring, should be promptly arrested by properly
regulated diet and drinks, and should these fail,
other mild measures that may stop it may be
resort TO- These failing, medical aid should be
sought, Loss of sleep, overtaxng the physical
energies everyi hing that depresses the vital en-
ergies impairs the power Of resisting diseases
and prepares tbs way for the widespread preva-
lence of epideinics. would therefore earnestly
recommend that temperance in all things be Oh
served, and that such habits of life in all mat
tiers affecting the health of the people the COM
mon experience teaches best suited to stave
off diseases and promote the most vigorous
health, should be strictly observed. An Observ-
ance of the foregoing health hints, coupled with
the policy promulgated to the health officers of
the different localities in the State, for the pur-
pose of abating and destroying the sources of
cholera Infections, the board fondly hopes and
believes would be- OF Invaluable benefit to the
health interests of the people.
| OTHER MATTERS.
In referring to the sanitary condition OF In
dianapolis, DR.. Hawn remarked that it would
soon be the ceanest city 10 the Union, as the
health officers were determined to have it alb.
solutely free Of filth, and they have already been
very successful in their work.
A resolution adopted by the board direct
ing DR.. Hawn, the secretary, to make an inspec-
ton of all the penal and benevolent institutions
in the State. Before adjournment bills to the