The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-08-04
DIR. DoTY TAKES ExcEPrIoN.
Says No Suspect Gets Into New York
without detention.

Says No Suspect Gets Into New York
without Detention.
New York, Aug. 3-The following state
, ment regarding the yellow fever situation
was given out tonight by DR.. A. H. Doty
heath officer Of the port Of New York:
What is claimed to be an authoritative
statement regarding the cause of the out
break of yellow fever at the National Sol
d.ers Home a Hampton, Va, appeared
in the press of yesterday. The substance
of the statement is as follows: An elder
ly inmate of the home obtained a leave
of absence and visited Santiago, and on
his return he brought with him some ex-
ira clothing with which in some way he
passed New York quarantine without ex
animation and distinction of clothing
and subsequently reached Hampton.
"A statement of this character, unsup-
ported by facts, is hardly entitled TO seri-
Gus consideration. Since May j every
passenger arriving at this station on yes
sells from Cuban ports has been held at
quarantine for a period of five days from
the time of embarkation unless he pre-
scented an immune certificate issued by
representative of the marine hospital ser
vice at the port of departure. Not one
exception has been made. If the passen-
gers arrive on a United States transport
the vessel is detained at quarantine with
the passengers on board, under the con-
slant supervision Of a member Of the med
. ical corps of the United States army
AT the expiration of five days from the
time of embarkdtiOn and after a report
from the surgeon in charge that all are
well, the passengers are brought to the
dock and personally examined before the
vessel is released In the case of merchant
vessels all passengers who do not hold
immune certificates are removed TO Hon-
man Island and detained there under the
observation of officers of this department
until the completion of the above period
and are then released only after a careful
inspection.
1T is believed that five days is the max
imum period of incubation of yellow fever.
This statement had the Endorsement of
Surgeon George II. Sternberg, surgeon
general. u. S. A., as well as others, who
have had long experience with yellow
fever and are competent 10 decide this
question. The disease usually appears on
the second or third day. The statement
occasionally made that the period of in
cubaton of yellow fever extends beyond
five days Is not accepted by those who are
familiar with the disease. Therefore, If a
careful inspection at the end of five days
after leaving an infected area discloses no
evidence of yellow fever, it may be ac-
cepted that the person examined is not a
menace 70 the public health. A rule en-
bodying this principle is rigidly enforced
by this department.
1.-THE clothing and effects of those 1eav-
ing Santiago are disinfected before en-
barkation. This is the only safe and prac-
teal way-otherwise presumably infected
material may be taken on board the YES
sci. The dlsinfection is performed a San
tiago by a representative of the marine
hospital service. / nave accepted his GER
tificate of disinfection, as / have every
reason to- believe that this work has been
carefully and properly performed"