The San Antonio light. (San Antonio, Tex.) 1883-1886, 1884-11-28
DIPHTHERIA.
Some Valuable Suggestions Re-
gapding the Disease.


Although there exists no "sure cure"
or specific remedy against genuine
diphtheria, 1t is of great importance to
use precautionary measures. The fol-
lowing is an extract from publication,
issued by the Illinois State Board OF
Health, and will be found the more of
value, as many cases of diphtheria and
Group of malignant type have occurred
here during the late days.
If one Is subject to oatarrh, or innam-
matory affections Of the throat, especial
care should be paid TO the condition of
the general health and to the general
hygienic surroundings. There Is reason
TO believe that diphtherla originates
spontaneously In such persons when the
system is debilltated from any cause.
During the existence OF diphtheria,
avoid crowded gatherings in badly ven
tilated rooms, as In theatres, public halls,
and even churches. This Is of especial
importance during cold weather.
Secure thorough ventilation and per-
feet cleanliness of nurseries, kindergar-
tens, school rooms, and other places
where children are cared for. Parents
should make 1t their personal business
TO secure these in the home and nursery,
and TO see that those in charge OF
schools, etc.. are also mindful of these
important matters. Children are
more subject to diphtheria than adults,
and the disease Is more fatal with them.
During the existence of case of
diphtheria In the neighborhood, do not
neglect any soreness of the throat, how
ever slight, until assured of its harmless
nature by the family physician.
Unless absolutely necessary, do not
come in contact with, or inhale the
breath of, one sick with sore throat.
Avoid kissing, or eating, or drinking In
common with such sick persons.
Diphtherla has SO often appeared
where uncleanly conditions have pre-
vailed, when II could not be traced to
continuous propagation by oontagion,
that its relation to filth as cause may
be assumed for sanitary purposes. 1t Is
| immaterlal whether the filth exists In
visible and disgusting forms, such as the
garbage-heap, the cess pool or the privy
vault, or in the invisible and possibly
inodorous gases from an lily constructed
sewer, from deoaying vegetables in the
cellar, or In the poisonous exhalation
from the human breath and body In I'M
ventilated rooms. All these undoubted
causes Of i'll health should be at once
abated.
Because of the fact stated above, an
adult may venture when necessary to
come in contact with case of diptheria
but no child should ever be so exposed
either directly or indirectly. Adults
who are compelled TO visit such cases
should take the precaution to battle ant
change clothing before going near Q
child. Children should be prevented
from entering the water-close or PRIV
into which diptheria charges arr
thrown, even after disinfecti0n. IL
short, they should be removed at one,
and definitely from any possibility o
contaglon during the existence of case
Cats, dogs, COWS, swine and som
other of the lower animals are known I,
be subject to diphtheria, and fatal case
among human beings have been con
tracted from them. Avoid, therefore
having anything to do with cat, dog
COW, hog, or any other animal sufferin
from any throat disease until 1t Is know
not to be diphtheria.
Outbreaks Of the disease have bee
traced to the carriage of the contaglo
by the wind. Therefor, Il Is advisabl
to close the windows and doors, an
avoid as much as possible the side of
house toward II known infected house {
locality, especially during the prev,
lence OF high winds from that direction
There are no specifics OF antidotes (,
! diphtheria."