The Wilmingtonian., 1884-12-13
HEALTH HINTS.
Cows MIX as a vehicle of Disease

y
The possibility OF transmission of infec-
tious and epidemic disease through the agen-
oy of cows milk has become well-recog-
nized fact. Since DIR. Ballard published his
report of an epidemic of typhoid fever at
Islington. in 1870 attention has been direct
ed to this source of dissemination of disease,
and the result has been record of at least
one hundred epidemics alleged, upon relia-
BILE grounds, to have been traceable to milk
which had in some way or another become
specifically contaminated.
1t seems to be an established fact that
scarlet fever has been communicated in this
manner, and there 10 reason for supposing
that diphtheria has also been thus dissemi-
nated,' although the evidence on this latter
point is not so thoroughly conclusive. Other
infectious diseases are believed to have been
occasionally propagated through milk, but
more proof is needed to reduce the opinion
to one of scientific accuracy. However, as
we are in possession of certain well-known
facts in regard to this mode of dissemna-
ting typhoid fever and scarlet fever, and
knowing what we do of the nature of infec-
tio us diseases, and with our knowledge of
the property in milk readily absorbing vo-
latile matters in the atmosphere, and of the
Circumstances attending the collection,
treatment, and handling of milk before it
caches the consumer, it is not hazardous to
venture the opinion that all infections may
be transmitted by milk, and that this as poss-
ible source of danger to health should be
guarded against accordingly.
1t is known that milk containing fungus
the 0iditm Lactis, or Penicilliem may give
rise to irritation of the stomach, or even
gastritis. Milk from an infamed udder will
cause inflammation of the mucous mem-
brane Of the mouth and aphth@ on the lips
and gums. The so-called milk sickness, at
one time prevalent in the Western States, is
supposed to have been caused by the milk of
COWS which fed on the RhuS 1opicodendrOn.
Very positive evidence has been adduced
to show that the milk of cows affected with
the foot and mouth disease will give rise to
a somewhat similar affection in the human
subject. 1t is not so clear how milk becomes
the means of conveying the poison Of enteric
fever, scarlet fever, and possibly some other
infections diseases. In the case of typhoid
fever communicated in this way, the major
ity of epdemlcs have been regarded as due
to specifically contaminated water which
had deem added to the milk. In other in
stances of typhoid fever, and in the case of
scarlet fever, and perhaps diphtheria, a COM
mon explanation is that the infectious ma
terial has been absorbed by the milk. 1t
has also been suggested that the milk thus
infected may act, while warm, as cultiva-
tion fluid for the zymotic germs. Other ex-
plantations have been proposed, but they do
not materially modify the general precau-
tions which, in the present state of our
knowledge, are deemed most efficacious in
preventing this mode of transmission of dis
ease.
Dr. Thursfield, an English medical officer
of health, who has investigated the subject
of milk epidemics very carefully, proposes
precautions which he considers effectual in
preventing these outbreaks of disease. The
responsibility is divided betv cen the consum-
or and the sanitary authorities. He urges
upon the consumer the precaution of boiling
all milk. There is a prejudice against this
practice, but it ought to give way if it be
true that '.to boil milk may, for practical
purposes be said to confir immunity from
infection conveyed by it,"
The milk-shop of the retailer and the dai-
ry of the wholesale purveyor should be
e. placed under the strict control of the sani-
tary authorities, which should be clothed
with power to make the proper regulations
and to enforce them by the aid of efficient
inspection. The organization of such ser
vice would at first be arduous, but soon as
its requirements are made known and intell-
igently comprehended, willing co-opera-
tion might be expected in most cases. There
is a prevailing ignorance of the facts above
stated, which is damaging to the best inter
ests of the public health and ought 10 be re-
moved. In no way can this be better ac-
complished than by the organization of an
authoritative service regulating the purvey-
ing and sale of this important article OF food.