The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1884-08-16
Before Cholera Comes,

for in the presence of the disease they cannot be
effectively taken, possibly not even safely. Cess
pools, prlvy vaults, and accommodations of filth
generally, may and should be now emptied or re-
moved, whereas, when Cholera is actually with
us II may not be wise to stir them up, hut better
and safer 10 cover them temporarily with earth
and disintectantS.
On the part Of the local Health Boards and san
tary authorities in all parts of the State the fol-
lowing essential precautions are earnestly advis-
ed: l. Thorough sanitary inspection of every city
town and village. ,. The drainage OF all stag
n&nt ponds and low, wet grounds 3. The careful
cleansing and diSlntectiOn of all sewers and pub
lie drains I. The cleansing and disiufecting of
all prvy vaults, and >. The destruction entire and
complete. Of all Accommodations of filth that may
lie discovered.
On the part of private citizens and household
ers, the State Board of Health recommends care
full investigation and thorough cleansing of Gel
lars, barns, and Out-houScs generally; of house
drains sinks, CeSspooS and privy vaults. together
with frequent and plentiful use of lime white
wash wherever 1t may be appropriate. attention
10 the ventilation of all parts of the dwelling;
avoidance of anything like overcoming in iy-
ing rooms or bed rooms; in short, the most ScrI-
pulOus cleanliness in all respects both indoors
and out Of doors.
\ very efficient way Of disposing of much ref
use both OF households and communities and
one to be highly commended, is to destroy it by
burning, thus rendering il absolutely harmless.
The Board desires to call the attention of ALL in
dlvlduulS and communities to the great import
ance of looking with especial care tuthe character
of their supply of drinking water, and the adopt
ion of such precautions as will insure its purify
1t is in the water used for drinking purposes that
the germs of Cholera most often enter the system
and since this Is source Of danger that frequent
~ needs time for its removal and which cannot
be reInedied in the face Of IL Cholera epidemic,
examinations of wells and similar sources of sup
ply should be made now. The leakage of priYy
vaults and cesspooS into wells, the water of
which IS highly esteemed, Is a matter OF much
more frequent occurrence than the owners of
wells deem possible
With the precautions above suggested, duly OBJ
served it is believed that shall have little reaS-
on 10 fear Cholera; while if they be neglected and
the disease should come Us, its Inalig1lity i'll
any given community Will probably be i'll direct
proportion 10 the degree OF negligence existing
there.
As has been already stated the obiec; of this
circular i to secure such preparation will pre-
vent danger should Cholera be brought to our
shores, ana such viii put the state III the best
position to resist its attacks. Should the disease
appear in Wisconsin. or III any of the adjoining
States another circular VIII be published, giving
more specific directions for dealing with its actual
presence. 1t is hepcd, however, that 10y the con
certed action OF this ana other State Boards, and
by the general observance Of the precautions rec
commended herein, that the necessity for so doing
VIII be avoided.
Physicians are again reminded of the law which
requires prompt reports Ofall cases of this (and
otherl contagious disease, and health Officers and
Health Boards are likewise reminded of the obi
CATION to make reports of such cases to the office
OF the State Board OF health. Such towns as have
not fully organized Boards of Health with efic-
quircments Of the Laws that such Boards be organ
lied and such officers appointed.
As suggested already in this circular Cholera
patients, in the carly stages of the disease may
travel from place to place suffering from DidrrhUa,
lie true Mature OF which is UnSusPccted, and may
use number of different prlyies. Should this Oc-
eur. It has been wisely suggested that inquiry be
made concerning the UIyIes used by any such
patient. and that officer be sent at once to dis
infect them. For this purpose il is recommended
that for each vault two or three pailsful Of Il
strong solution of c0ppcTas be used; this solution
may bt made by dissuiyiuG fifteen pounds OF cop
pcS in ten gallons Of water, and since it is said
that the Cholera germ is destroyed 10y acids q
pound of strong commercial SUlPhuric Acid may
TIE added 70 each gallon of the solution with great
advantage.
What has been said concerning the duty of Sc
cUrIn" and maintaining cleanliness of towns and
private premises viii apply with even greater
force 70 railway stations, hotels and all similar
places, and tie special attention of managers
and pruprjctor~ thereof i asked to the recon-
mCudatIHnS herein contained.
Every one who is responsible for the sanitary
condition OF any building or apartment for the
accommodation of the travelling public IS urged
To see that his charge is kept in the most cieanly
possible condition, and to have especial care that
all prlvlcS, Watcr-c!oSCtS and urinals used by
employees or travellers are regularly and SyStcmat-
ically ceanSed and disintected. Railroad man
ayers ana MOTEL prorflctOTS would subScrye their
own interests ana render good service to the pub
lie by giving orders at once for the adoption of
such measures.
Finally all work done in the line suggested in
this circular Will be conducive to health and of
benefit to all, even though Cholera should not
come.
BY order of the state Board of Health.
J. T. REEVE, NJ. r.,
Secretary