The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-09-20
War.
Board of Health Adopts Strin-
gent Measures.
Every Means Taken to Prevent
Recurrence of Epidemic.

Topeka's experience with smallpox last
winter is not to be allowed repetition, If
precautiOn can prevent it. The board
of health, in session Wednesday evening,
discussed the possibility of a new out
break of the disease this fall, and de-
cided upon taking immediate steps to
enforce the existing health ordinances
and, if possible, avert an epidemic.
City ordinance No. 1927 gives a rigid
course of procedure to be followed in the
case of infectious diseases Much of the
trouble last winter resulted from the
lack of its enforcement. In the way Of
vaccinations, especially. was there great
laxity. If parents objected to having
their children vaccinated. their objec-
tions prevailed.
Parental objection will not avail this
year, the board of health decides. The
board intends that every letter of the
sections referring to vaccination be COM
piled with. Sections 10 and IL OF or
dinance 1927 read.
1T shall be the duty of all persons
residing in the city of Topeka, who have
not already been effectively vaccinate0
for smallpox to be so effectively vaccl-
mated, and it shall be the duty of all
parents or other persons in charge or
children over three years of age 70 have
them effectively yacctnated. 1t snail De
the duty of the board of health to make
as may be necessary, subject to the APP
prevail of mayor and council, and II
shall be the duty of the city physician
to Vaccinate, at the expense of the city,
all persons who are unable to pay for
the same, and in addition such persons
as may be designated by the mayor and
council at a cost of not more than 25
cents for such persons vaccinated.
Amy person who shall violate any of
the provisions of this ordinance shall be
guilty of public offense against the
ordinances of the city of Topeka, and
upon conviction thereof before the police
judge of the city OF Topeka, shall be
fined not less than five dollars nor more
than fifty dollars
The board is having 1000 blanks pre-
pared for distribution among the school
children, requiring an immediate report,
stating whether or not each pupil has
been effectually vaccinated. 1t is be-
lieved there are large number in school
that have never been vaccinated owing
to parental objections or something else.
The board is now determined that the
law be complied with and they be vac
cinated, or measures will be taken to
close the school doors on those who have
not been treated with the virus.
These blanks are to be distributed to-
morrow If possible; if not, early next
week.
City Physician H. 3. Hogeboom is
also preparing to send out a circular to
the physicians of Topeka calling atten-
ton to the provisions of the city ordi-
nance requiring quarantine, requiring
that due, accurate and conscientious re-
port of every infectious disease be made.
Cuban chickenpox' is to be barred, the
city physician states, although every
reputable practitioners report is to be
given full credence and repute. Every
case is to be known for what it is and
isolated as SUCH
Where there is suspicion of infection,
the doubt is to be settled by the city
physician, as city ordinance provides, or
by a board called into consultation by
him for a final determination