Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-06-15

country along the banks of the Ohio river. The
greatest fear was from diphtheria, the damp
hess OF the earth from the overflow, and the
accumulation Of foul animal and vegetable
matter being especially conducive to the pro-
duction OF the germs Of that disease. The in
undation Of portion Of Washington and the
dampness caused in many premises by the
heavy and continuous rains, oocasioned
fears of diphtheria here. So little
diphtheria understood by the ma
lorlty OF people, and in such dread is il held
by those acquainted with its terrors that num-
Der OF state boards Of health-notably New
i0rk-hsve issued and had published and dis
trlbuted official papers upon the subject advis-
ing what steps should be taken toward prevent
Ing its appearance and suggesting treatment Of
cases where discovered
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES CONDITIONS.
Bad sanitary arrangements favor the devel-
opment and propagation Of diphtheris virus.
1t grows best in places that are damp and foul
and badly ventilated; in cellars moist by i'm
perfect drainage or overfows and defiled by
uncleanly accumulations in the soil about them;
In damp unventilated spaces under floors, or
any place where there is dampness, filth or i'm
perfect access OF air. In all cities Especially
In one where, like Washington, tides in the
river affect the flow of the sewerage) the sew
ers furnish place for the growth Of this virus
when it gets into them, and its vitality is SO
great under such surroundings that its lodge
ment and infection may become permanent
THE INCEPTION OF DIPHrHEaIA.
Diphtheria is preventable disease. Its ex-
istence depends on conditions which can be
controlled. 1t may appear in any community,
but should not be allowed to develop beyond
the first case or cases which make their ap-
pearance. 1t is probable that diphtheria al
ways originates from a special poison which
develops in the person sick with it, brought
about from some of the conditions above
named. This special poison is given off in the
breath, in expectorations from the mouth or
throat and discharges from the nose.
ing nas to o B5eRsr on wh eShef
happens to alight. By reason Of this the sick
room, its floor, walls, furniture, and all its con-
tents become infected with the disease, and
continue to be so until the virus is destroyed by
cleansing and fumigation
ITS CONTAGIOUS QUALITIES.
The disease may be carried away by any arti-
Gle coming in contact with the sick and to
which the virus clings by the clothing, bed
ding, eating utensils, food, toys, and also by
the persons and clothing of those in attendance
upon the patient. Another important fact is
that the virus is very long-lived; articles and
premises infected with it may communicate the
disease for at least several weeks 1t may be
transported by them with great facility from
one locality to another and to an indefinite
air containing the disease germs coming di-
rectly from the sick or from articles infected by
them. 1t can be also communicated by articles
passing from mouth to mouth, such cups,
spoons, dc. The articles by which it
may be communicated may have become
infected weeks before and possibly at
some locality quite remote. 1t can be contracted
by inhaling the air of sewers. cesspools, cell
lars, or any damp, foul, illy-ventilated place in
which the germs chance to become planted.
Av,x- l.alzl Al =
brought into it. 1t will not continue long,
however. if the conditions upon which its ex-
istence mainly depends is removed. II the sick
are strictly secluded, the disease germs de-
stroyed, and the sanitary arrangements cleaned
and disenfected, danger is averted
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS.
All should avoid sources of contagion. Well
children had better be removed entirely from
the house, as children contract diphtheria more
readily than adults They should be kept under
close observation and if diphtheria develops
brought home again so not to establish a
new center. Persons remaining in the house
should not go to school, church or other gen.
eral gatherings, nor to any other house where
there are youLg persons. If a case has secured
foothold in a locality, every case Of sore
throat should be regarded with suspicion, and
excluded from contact with others until a
diagnosis of the affected part can be made by
a physician.
Houses should be kept clean, dry and well
ventilated. Particular attention should be
given to cellars. The premises should be well
drained; all accumulation of garbage, or de-
composing vegetable or animal matter kept
strictly cleared away, and disinfectants freely
used.
SUGGESTIONS FOR pIsINFEcrrNa.
During its occupancy as a sick-room the
above precautions should be carefully observed;
at the termination Of the quarantine the room
u. \ 4 A. -
tents thoroughly fumigated. Arrange the con-
tents SO that their surfaces can be readily
reached by the disinfecting gas. The room
should remain closed for twenty-four hours,
after which it and its contents should be well
aired for several days. The wood work
tops OF windows and doors and dis
infectants applied. Where the case has
been malignant or proved fatal it would be
well to rewhitewash the ceiling and remove
and renew the wall-papering. Failure to OBJ
serve these precautions have been the cause Of
thousands of deaths.
FUMIGATING RECIPES.
Roll sulphur, in the proportion Of two pounds
for a room ten feet square, is burned by plac-
ing it in an iron kettle set in tub containing
little water to guard against fire. 1t may be
ignited by pouring little alcohol on il before
applying match. Or, mix well, breaking up
all Jumps, one part of black oxide of manga
nese and two parts of common salt, and add
enough water to make it the consistency of
cream. teacupful Of this mixture is to be put
into a large earthen vessel, q wash-bowl will
answer, one or two of which may be put in
each room. About an equal bulk of CONNER
cial sulphuric acid is to be finally poured into
each vessel, beginning with the most remote,
the person retiring quickly. 1t is best to pour
this from a pitcher and avoid inhaling the
fumes by holding handkerchief over the nose
and mouth.
SOLUTIONS FOR DIsINFEcrANTs.
An effective disinfectant, for sprinkling is sui
phate Of iron (copperas), pounds; warm
water, 1 gallon. Another one, for clothing,
sulphate of zinc (white vitroD, ounces; COM
mon salt, ounces; water, l gallon. Quick
lime will absorb moisture and putrid fluids.
Use fresh store lime, finely powdered, sprinkled
around. Charcoal powder, to absorb putrid
gases. The coal must be dry and fresh and
should be combined with lime. This compound
is called "calx powder" as sold in drug stores.
Chloride of lime to give Of chlorine, to absorb
putrid efiuvia and to stop putrefcation.
Copperas and carbolic acid in water 10 clear
drains.
Permanganate Of potassa can be used in dis
injecting clothing and towels during the night
when such articles cannot be instantly boiled.
Throw the articles into a tub where an ounce Of
the potassa has been dissolved to every three