The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-04
TO PLACARD THE HOUSES.
An Attempt 10 Prevent Diphthsria From
Spreading.
ACTION TAKEN BY BOARD OF HEALTH.
Something About the Disease as an Epi-
dennic-Its Mild and Its Aggravated
Forms-A Very simple Cure.

The Board of Health of Richmond recog-
nizing the contagious nature of diphtheria,
and that the disease is often caught by per-
sonal contact, and is sometimes spread by
being carried in th clothes Of those from the
infected room, will hereafter placard the
doors of houses where this malignant
disease exists. and thus warn all visit
ors and others of the danger. Cards
for this purpose about 1Oxl2 inches have been
ordered from the printer. They will be
printed in red ink with large letters bearing
the word "Diptheria," and suitable warning
underneath. IL il hoped that this method
will serve TO break up great deal of useless
visiting from sympathetic friends ana neigh
bors in such cases and reduce the contact with
tie disease TO the minimum and thus greatly
decrease the danger.
AS Az EPIDEMIC.
This disease rarely occurs except AS on cpl
demic. Epidemic diphtheria has occurred in
all countries but in the United States only
occasional sporadic cases were observed dur
ing the first half CT the present century.
Since 1856 there have been repeated
epidemics in different parts OF tho
country, ard the precautions being taken
by the Board of Health are justified
by past experience. and no timely preyenta-
in treatment, should be eschewed. Whether
the disease be communicable one OF one
that is dihused by cOntagiOn, is still an open
question. Children between three and twelve
years Of age are most apt 20 be affected with
it. but no period OF life is exempt from a
liability TO il. The cases IN this city have been
almost entirely among children.
The false membranes accompanying this
disease are frequently found 10 contain par
asitic fungus, the spores and sporules of
crytOgamic plant. and the idea has been en-
tertained that the disease is due to the pres
ence of these. II seems. however, reasonable
TO suppose that they are accidental to the
local affection. Different epidemics differ
much in the rates of mortality.
SOMETIMES MILD.
The disease is sometimes mild. the local
manifestations being confined to the throat
while in other cases il has q degree of viO-
lence and a fatal tendency which entities it 10
be classed among tho malignant diseases.
Death sometimes takes place IN fOrty-elght
hours after che attack The degree and ex-
tent of local manifestations are in general com
mensurate with the severity and danger. IL
the larynx becomes affected. the chances
OF recovery are few The number OF cases of
dipEtheria il this city is steadily decreasing.
aud the measure above referred to IL one
adopted by the Board OF Health out Of
abundant precautiOn. and it will De q practl-
cal aid IL stamping the disease from our
midst
CURE.
1t is said that nature has her own remedy
for every ill % which flesh is heir. Some of
her remedies have not yet been discovered
and some that have been found out have not
become generally known. Medical science
has long sought for a sovereign remedy Tor
the scourge Of childhood. diphtheria, yet the
cOlored people OF Louisiana and perhaps of
other localities in the South. have for years
known and used a cure which is remarkable
for its simplicity. 1t is nothing more OF less
than the pure luice Of the pineapple
The remedy is not mine" said gentle
man, when interviewed 1T has been used by
negroes in the swamps down South for years.
one of my children was down with dIphtheria
and was in critical condition. An old col
ored man who heard of the case asked if we
had tried pine apple juice. We tried it and
the child got well ! have tried 1t in hun
dreds of cases. have told my friends about
it whenever heard Of cas- and never knew Il
to fail You get ripe pineapple, squeeze out
the Juice. and let the patient swallow it. The
Juice is of 50 corrosive Il nature that 1t
will cut out dphtheritic mucus and If you
will take the fruit before il is ripe and give
the juice to aperson whose throat Is well It
makes the mucus membrane OF his throat