The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1898-04-01
WARNING AGAINST SMALLPOX
Office of State Board of Health.

BOWLING GREEN, KY MARCH 25, 1898
TO the officials, Physicians and People of
Kentucky.
This Board again gives warning that
our State is seriously threatened with
an epidemic o. smallpox. Grave con-
ditiOns already exist in Bell. Whitley
and Madison counties, and cases are
reported in Knox and Mason counties.
So far the disease has been almost ex-
clusively confined to negroes, but this
exemption of the white race cannot
long be hoped for if it continues to
spread.
In spite of repeate and continued
warnings from this and county and
municipal boards, each community so
far attacked was unprepared, a large
per cent. of the population was unvac.
cinated, and dangerous and costly de-
lays occurred before the character of
the disease was recognized, ami hospi-
tai and other provisions couli be made
for the sick and exposed.
Under our laws this expense must q
met by the counties and cities affected,
and it can only be made small by prop
er preparation before case appears.
Had Middlesboro and Bell county been
thus fOreheaded and ready to care for
the first cases, thousands of dollars
would have been saved in actual out
lay. very many thousands in loss of
business, and the officials and commu-
nifty the modification of clamoring for
outside aid to do what they were am
ply able to do for themselves.
In view of these facts, the Board ad-
vises that each town and city at once
pass and enforces a compulsory vac
cination ordinance, beginning with
the colored race, but reaching every
body; that isolation hospitals or tents,
and suitable ground for their location,
he secured; that visiting and strange
negroes be hunted out, vaccinated and
kept under observation, and especial
ly that physicians practicing amongst
negroes be instructed as to the difficult
ty of recognizing mild cases of small
poX and varioloid in this race, and of
the Importance of calling in expert
enced counsel in every doubtful or
suspicious case Those having this
work in hand should deal firmly, but
kindly, with every one, advising that
this work is being done for their pro-
lection as we'll as that of the commu-
nifty.
Quarantines against in 'ected places,
the first resort OF unpreprred towns,
do much acturl harm by giving rise to
frlse sence of security, thus retard-
ing the work of vaccination and prepa-
ration, and, if rigidly enforced, are
much more expensive than the pre-
cautions herein advised, besides caus-
ing much financial loss by interference
with travel and commerce. No quar-
antine can be legally established with
out the consent of this Board, and this
will not be given unless the circum-
stances are very exceptional. Commun-
tiles maintaining unauthorized quar-
antines are liable to persons suffering
injvries or damages therefrom.
At this time every person in Ken
lucky should be vaccinated or revacci-
mated. If properly protected it will
not take, and if it takes there is need
of it. The vaccination should ALWAYS
be done in three places about an inch
apart, by a competent physician, with
clean hands and instruments upon a
we'll cleaned arm, by scraping off the
scarf skin without drawing blood, and
should be allowed to dry thoroughly
before the sleeve is put down, and
should be protected for a few days
with clean cloth or absorbent cotton.
This will give the best chance for a
successful result, with much less sore
ness and suffering.
Fresh, reliable virus may ALWAYS be
had from the National Vaccine Estab-
lishment, Washington City, or from its
agents, The Henry Drug Co, of Louis
Vile. Vaccination from the arm of a
child known to be healthy Is equally
reliable.
This Board holds itself in readiness
to aid local boards to the full extent of
its powers, but little aid will be need.
ed from it if each community will intell-
igently prepare to take care of itself.
By order of the Board.
j. NJ. MATHEWS, NJ D.,
President.
j. N. MCCORMACK,
Cacretarv