Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1897-08-18
Some thoughts Suggested by the Recent
Diphtheria Scare.

demic of true d~iphtheria. Now we feel
the relief that comes after a dagger
line Is past, aud as we mediate on
what might have been, we rememb Der
our experience for about eight years
past, and are reminded that this is our
annual diphtheria scare; and we again
have the pleasure Of escape from the
great might have beeen." This time
we thought the army was upon US. We
have repeatedly heard stated that so
much alarm and confusion was not
produced by the epidemic-o of cholera
in Jonesboro. People ready to face any
danger to Themselves, took alarm at
the danger that seemed to threaten
their children. Parental love is beau
tiful in its strength. The mothers are
returning with the precious little tots,
and we are all again happy and conf.
dent in the belief that old J~onesboro
will again redeem herself as the
healthiest little town in upper East
Tennessee, and that no town or coun-
try Is better equipped for battle against
Contagious diseases. Notwithstanding
all this, our town has been extensively
advertised as a hot bed Of diphtheritic
germs, and almost every interest re.
ceiving q blow from which it will re.
quire months for recovery. The peo-
pie should try to correct, 80 far as DOS.
sible, the impression gone out, that we,
here in J~onesboro, are in an epidemic
of true diphtheria, n of the most
dreaded diseases known to the public,
and n that brings conster nation to
the mothers heart, making her I'M
happy, so long as she hears mention Of
1t. AT this time the excitement of
fright has given way to reason, and we
might be profited by making ourselves
q little more familiar with some things
we, as parents, ought to know more
about than we do and can know: and
q little investigation as to the char
acteristics Of diphtheria, and what
ought to be done when the disease ia
prevailing, may be made profitable.
There are two accepted forms of
diphtheria. One is called false or
pseudo .~diphtheria, is caused by the
st~reptococcus pyogenes, or other germs
of like nature, but all less virulent
than the germs of true diphtheria.
This disease is but slightly communi-
cable under ordinary conditions. One
attack is no protection against succeed.
ing attacks, as one can contract the
disease any number of times. 1t is not
epidemic in nature, rarely occurring
as an epidemic, if it ever does, and is
not so easily communicated from one
| nArann IN QnnthQr aa RI rnnptrn ,, ~.
tine or the use of disinfectants. This
disease has been epidemic every spring,
summer or fall, for q few years, over a
large area of Upper East Tennessee,
and an occasional death from it,caused
by complications. True diphtheria is
never developed de novo. 1t always
has its origin FROM the Kleb Loef1er
bacillus, is a very contagious disease,
and OCCURS as an epidemic, occurring,
as a rule, in winter, early spring, or
late fall months. 1t is a specific com-
municable disease, the germ long lived
and easily communicated to persons,
certain fowls and animals, (cats, tur.
keys, pigeons, chickens, canary bir de,
rabbits and ala avs has its origin from
some other case, communicated di.
rectly or remotely, needing vigilant
watch over these with the disease, TO
keep 1t from spreading by contact with
the germs, and lives lost needlessly.
To do this we must learn something Of
the nature of the disease as we'll as
how to prevent its spreading. The
true diphtheritic germ has been known
to live many years in the walls of
houses, in old carpets, cast off cloth.
ing worn by the diseased, childrens'
toys, books, ETC., and at times seems to
be more yirulent after a long rest.
These germs do not, as many seem to
believe, float about in the atmosphere
like dust particles and germs of some
other diseases. Communication from
atmosphere is rare, and can only take
place when the germ has been caused
to float in the air by being disturbed
where located, us by sweeping. 1t gets
in drinking water ip like manner, and
is very rarely communicated from
drinking water. Sweet milk is one of
the worst sources of infection. The
germ is discharged in great numbers
from the mouth, AID is so often com.
municated by getting on childrens'
| bU1b, ClOthib6, vi OuDcs pOOhb,
and by kissing. The length of time
during which the disease can be COM
m%unicated, is uncertain. Virulent
germs tbacilli) are frequently found
10 the mouth, throat and nose, after
all membrane has disappeared, and
two weeks after the sick Is regarded
perfectly well. The germ is found in
some cases, six weeks after the patient
seems entirely we'll. Severe and very
fatal epidemics have frequently &C.
Cured when the germ had been on
veyed long distances in infected cloth
ing of the diphtheritic, also from walls
Of buildings long after the disease bad
disappeared. Bad sewerage, bad drain
ge,decomposing organic matter, apart
from being infected directly or remote
ly, are wholly incapable of producing
the disease. Persons with accuto ca.
tarrhal throat disease, enlarged tonsils,
nasal catarrh and irritable throats, are
liable to contract the disease when ex.
posed. Healthy throats and mucous
membranes are proof against diphthe.
rite germs. Two to FIVE years are the
ages most liable for the disease to be
contracted. No age Is exempt, but the
dangers rapidly lessen after the
eighteenth year. There may or may
not be q visible membrane. Absence
of a membrane is very rare. The mem.
brane is most frequently a gray or
mouse color; 1t may be purely white,
| yellow, or green; sometimes almost
black. 1t closely adheres and can only
be detached by force, leaving bleeding
points where detached. The membrane
reforms IN most cases In twenty four
hours after being removed. The mem
brane spreads almost always from a
focal point, usually the t%onsils, to
other parts Of the throat or the mouth
and nose. There Is very little swelling
Of the pillars Of throat and soft palate,
thus differing from other forms OF sore
throat. One well acquainted with the
appearance of true diphtheritic mem
brane, will seldom fail to recognize 1t.
" Is to be regretted that we hear ply.
sicians say that q case Is threatened
with diptheria, or has o mixed sore
thrnat wall IN INV N uarunn a..