Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-12-22

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Provisions Of the Act to Prevent the Spread
of Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria.
On Saturday the President attached his sig
nature to . bill which makes an important ad-
dition to the health regulations of the city.
The title Of the bill is ''To prevent the spread
of scarlet fever and diphtheria in the District
of Columbia" Its provisions are intended to
limit the danger which arises from the spread
Of those infectious and contagious diseases.
1t provides chat from and after the passage
OF this act it shall be the duty of every regis
tered practicing physician or other person pre-
scribing for the sick in the District of Column
bin to make report to the health officer on forms
to be furnished by that officer Immediately
after such practitioner becomes aware Of the
existence of any case of scarlet fever or diph-
liberia in his charge, and in case such person
shall fail to so report within twenty-four hours
hs shall be subject to penalty of not less than
- nor more than $50, and in case of second
oHense the penalty shall not be less than $40
nor more than $780,"
II is further provided by the bill that in case
no physician shall be in charge Of such patient
the parent guardian or nurse or other person
In attendance upon the sick person, knowing
the character Of the disease, shall make report
as above indicated. and in case of failure to re-
port shall suffer the same penalties as provided
for physicians.
The health officer is directed. in cooperation
with the attending physician, to cause a suita-
Bile piaeard, flag or warning sign to be dis
played from the front of the premises or apart
liberia is present A fine il provided for the
removal of this warning without the consent Of
the health officer. That official is also required
to cause the premises to be properly disinfected
and to issue the necessary instructions for the
isolation of the patient.
1,x Co. a. xhao <R
son affected by the disease mentioned upon
any public or private school or place of public
assemblage, or to appear on the public streets
or in the parks while 80 affected. A fine is
provided for the violation Of this clause,
which is imposed upon the parent or guardian
in case of minor.
An important section Of the law Is as fol-
lows: That no person who has convalesced
from diphtheria or scarlet fever shall be al
lowed to attend any public or private school,
clan shall have furnished a certificate that said
patient has completely recovered and that
there is no danger of infection to other per-
sons. All persons who shall after convalescing
from diphtheria or scarlet fever visit schools,
semnaries or colleges without providing them
selves with such certificates shall suffer the
penalties provided in section one Of this act"
The provisions of the act apply to every ship.
vessel, steamboat or craft lying or being in
the rivers, harbors or other waters within the
jurisdiction Of the District and to every tent,
van, shed, hood, barn. out house, cabin or
other like place. as if the same were an ordinary
dwelling. 1t is provided that the words prac-
titioner Of medicine shall be held to include all
persons who undertake to treat persons at
ficted. either gratuitously or for pay.
A fine Of not more than $50 or not more than
twenty days imprisonment is provided in case
O false return or certificate Is made
PREPARING FOR A STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF THE
LAW.
An official copy of this bill was received at
the health Office this morning. The passage of
the bill, however, has been anticipated by the
health officials, and the chief clerk of the
office. Mr.. Cooper McGinn. has been in corre-
spOndence with health officials in other cities to
ascertain what method had been adopted to
put in force such regulations. He ascertained
that in a number of cities these diseases were
subject to stringent regulations. The various
forms required for the proper enforcement Of
this law Is now being prepared by Mr.. McGinn.
The first step will be the preparation of letter
which will be sent to every medical practitioner
i'll the District calling attention to the provisions
of the law and inclOsing a blank which is to be
filled ont and sent to the health Office notifying
them of the location of any case of these dis
cases. Persons other than regular practition-
ers will be notified by publications in the news
paper. .
When the health Office is informed by the
persons in charge OF a case of scarlet fever or
dIphtheria u medica. inspector will be at once
sent to the premises, placard or other notice
wiz be attached to the house and instructions
will be left with the inmates of the house as to
the proper method of disinfection. The SUPER
vising principe. of the public school in the dis
trict where the sick person resides will be mott
fed OF the presence of the disease in the house,
30 that he can take steps to prevent the attend
anc, of any members Of the family at the
school, This quarantine will be maintained
until tn. health officer is notified by the ply
s,eaam or person in sharss ;ha the patient t
health Office, acting in cooperation with the
physician. being satisfied that all danger is
past. will issue a certificate to that effect which
certificate must be presented to the supervising
principal OF the public schools before the child
will again be admitted to the schools.
The provisions of the law are stringent and
the necessary penalties are attached for their
violation. The officials of the health office re-
gard it as a very necessary and important piece
OF legislation and they believe that its enforce
ment will have a beneficial effect in checking
the spread Of these dreaded diseases.