Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-11-11
PHYSICIANS DISAGREE
AS TO THE EXISTENCE OF AN EPIDEMIC
OF DIPHFHRRIA
In the City-Ths Health Officer and Health Com
mitss Disagree as TO Methods Of Prevention
and Sanitation.

Is there an epidemic of diphtheria in
this city? And II there is, what means
should be taken to prevent a spread of
the disease?
These were the questions which con-
fronted meeting Of physicians and the
Health Committee OF Council last nignt.
There was by DO means a unanimity of
sentiment in the answers to either
question. During the day Health OH
Ger Mccoy had the Council Committee
and every physician in the city called
to meet last night.
The meeting was held in the First
Branch Council chamber. 1t was called
TO order about eight O'Clock by Chair
man Caddle. There were present, in
addition to members of the committee,
Doctors Ackermann, HuDp, Stathers,
Manley, Frissell, Ridgeway, Best,
Schwinn, Campbell, Baird, Baguley,
Ashbrooke, Lewis, Brannen, Belleville,
Taylor, DR.. Mary a. Baron and half
dozen others.
DIR. Caddle stated the object Of the
meeting, and nearly every physician
present expressed an opinion relative to
the subject under consideration.
DR.. Baron stated that she had several
cases, but did not suggest remedy.
DR.. Hupp advocated the removal of the
causes favorable to the existence Of the
disease. stating that one-eighth of all
deaths are caused by preventative dis
eases. Dr. Schwinn said the cases
coming under his notice were not
malignant. tie favored the isolation Of
cases, and closing of schools il neces-
sary. DR.. Manley had treated uine
cases, noGe malignant, and thought the
weather conditions were responsible for
a number of cases A lack of
SANITARY PRECAUTIoN,
he also thought, hal something to do
with it
DR.. Baird thought the Health officer
should have more authority, as he is at
present powerless 10 check an cpl
demic. DR.. Belleville agreed with DR..
Baird, and thought there should be no
public funerals, in cases where death
was caused by diphtheria. DR.. Taylo
believed isolation to be a good remedy,
but very difficult. He also favored i'm
mediate burial.
DR.. Frissel took the stand that there
is no epidemic of the disease. be did
not think there were 100 cases in the
city. People should be taught that
plain diet, and ordinary cleanliness are
good preventatives. Dr. Ashbrook
followed in the same line. He had
treated forty 10 fifty cases OF sore throat,
and while he did not deny that there
are cases of diphtheria, most cases COM
monty believed to be that disease, are
simply sore throat, or malignant ton
sillitis.
DR.. Ackerman-"Ii DR.. Ashbrook
doubts that there are many cases of
diphtherla, / would like him to accom-
pany me on my visits tomorrow.
have even met with cases Of Group, and
/ would ask the profession II malignant
tonsillitis ever causes Group"
HEALTH OFFICER mccoy
here arose to give some statistics re-
garding deaths from diphtheria. There
were i deaths last month. III one in
each five cases proved fatal, there were
20 cases in the city. He was satisfied
there were from IS to 100 cases in the
city now. The disease prevails in un-
sanitary portions OF the city. "The
cases so far have been sporadic, but we
are on the eve Of an epidemic. OF that
1 have no doubt. The problem which
confronts us is how to prevent an cpl
demlc OF a disease which is so danger
GUS"
Councilman Richards asked DR.. Ack-
erman II he regarded the disease as
epidemic, and he received reply in
the affirmative, DIR. Alderman stating
that there are eight or ten cases in
every ward in the city.
DR.. Brannen knew OF cases Of diph
liberia, and he was willing to satisfy
any physician as to the genuineness OF
the cases which be is treating.
DR.. Baguley thought the II alth
Oncer has all the power that Is neces-
sary. IL he cannot compel families to
oury their dead within few hours, he
can at least isolate the cases. He did
not think the city was worse afflicted
with the disease now than in any other
recent year. Dr. Mccoy stated that he
would furnish all physicians with
postal cards for prompt reporting
OF cases OF diptherla. DIR. Baguley
thought II this was done the
Health Officer would be enabled
to determine when there was an cpl
demic, and then put the machinery Of
his Office in motion. DR.. Campbell dis
cussed past epidemics Of the disease,
and urged prompt action. give the
Health Officer power TO take the proper
measures, and every physician will help
him"
THE COMMITTEE MEETS.
The discussion continued in this way
until niue o'clock, when the physicians
retired and the Committee took up the
matter. The session was quite a
stormy one. DR.. Mccoy addressed
the members, briefly reviewing the
opinions Of the physicians, emphasizing
the importance Of prompt action, and
asking the Committee 20 recommend
the employment OF one or two sanitary
inspectors. Tbs Health Officer found
that the Committee did not agree with
him regarding the efficiency Of inspec-
tors, and the debate was az times very
acrimonious.
DR.. Caddle thought the Health OH
Ger should 60 before Council IL be felt
that be did not have sufficient authorl-
IL. aud Mr.. Farrell asked II he hao
made his complaint in writing. DR..
Mccoy replied that he had read the
ordinances several times, and arrived
at the conclusion that he was without
authority. He was handicapped by the
refusal OF Council TO grant him any
money, and the peremptory order to
discharge the inspectors he had en-
ploYed. Dlphtheria, be said, was en-
tirely preyentible and its existence was