Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-08-02

The State Board of Health has issued
the following circular to local Boards
OF Health, concerning the precautions
to be taken against the Asiatic cholera.
STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA.
OFFICE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
WHEELING, July 2Sth, 1854.
To the Local Boards of Health, Health
officers and the Public.
At meeting of the State Board of
health i'll this city, on Tuesday and
Wednesday, the 22nd and 23rd, the in
crease Of cholera in France was the
discussion OF serious consideration. in
asmuch as the disease is liable TO an
pear in this country at any time. It
therefore becomes duty to call the at
tention of local boards of health and
the general public to the best known
methods of preventing an invasion of
the disease.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION.
BY reason of the great exodus from
the infected districts in the East, and
the fact that many thousands of peo-
pie of other countries are landing upon
American soil every week, no State or
section is exempt from a liability to
this disease, as has been proved in the
past. Experience has abundantly
shown the fact that cleanliness is the
best protection against cholera. When
once introduced into town it's rayages
are most severe and most fatal in the
unsanitary localities, while the main
tenance of good hygienic conditions
contributes to lessen its spread and ia
tality.
While West Virginia is much less in
danger than many other States, it is
sufficiently exposed to warrant the
adoption of the most thorough sanitary
police in every city, town and village
as the germ of the disease may be car
rled for weeks in trunks, clothing,rags
etc. Hence the necessity of cleanlinesI
and of being well prepared for and out
break of the disease. To this end it il
recommended that all local boords o.
health, and health officers, commence
at once the work Of putting all of our
cities, towns and villages in the best
possible sanitary condition.
THE FIRST CARE.
The removal of all Accommodations of
filth, both animal and vegetable, from
the streets, alleys, cutters, yards, etc.,
should be accomplished Immediately.
All privy vaults, cess-pools, sink
drains and the like should be kept
clean. Hog pens. foul stables, mouldy
and dirty cellars and all places suspect
ed OF being dangerous to the public
health should be hunted out and disin-
fected. Tenement houses in thickly
populated localities, hotels, warehouses
and prisons should be inspected and
put in good condition, and such inspec-
ton should be made weekly during the
summer months.
The most prolific medium and factor
for the spread of cholera is the water
supply. 1t becomes, therefore, of first
Importance that all wells should be
carefully looked after, especially in To-
calities where imperfect sewerage and
drainage render such sources of the
water supply liable to contamination
with waste matter of the household.
POWER OF THE BOARDS.
The powers Of local health boards to
do this work well are clearly defined by
law; and if any resistance is offered
immediate steps shonld be taken to
show the offenders that the public good /
is paramount to individual opinion and
prejudice. Besides, heavy penalty
attaches to all persons who refuse to
obey the health authorities.
Within the domain of the household, |
the opportunity of doing much for both
public and private protection is very
great. Good ventilation, pure water
substantial and healthful food, cleanli
ness and neatness about the premises,
personal cleanliness, regular hours OF
work and rest, temperance in eating
and drinking, are the factors which
contribute towards perfect health and
are the strongest projections against
Ia III 81,
Should cholera appear at any point
in the State or adjacent States, such
fact should be Immediately telegraphed
to this office, that insulation and quar-
antine may at once be established.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE.
Railroad companies will be notified
OF all orders issued by this Board con-
corning cholera; and if need be inspec-
tions Of both passengers and baggage
will be made.
The State Roard of Health presents
this view of general sanitary duties
how to resist cholera--as being more
useful to the people and helpful to local
authorities than any descriptive ac-
count of the disease. They may be
arrayed in the following order:
l. To make careful Sanitary inspec-
tiOns.
.. To drain all stagnant pools and
low grounds near dwellings.
3. To clean all sewers and house
drains.
4. To cleanse and disinfect cellars,
privies and all filthy places.
o. Protect the purity of the drinking
water.
8. AS a disinfectant use copperas
Zone and one-halfpoundst to the gallon
of hot water.
THE PLAQUES FRIENDS.
1t has been correctly remarked that
for cholera to be diffused from CONT
nent to continent over the earth, it
must have three factors for its cultiva-
tion and spread
l. A center of pollution for its cradle.
2. A ship for its transport.
3. A number of toUns prepared for
ats reception and Development.
The matter which a cholera patient
discharges from the stomach and bow
els are infectious, hence the necessity
of preventing their admiXture with the