The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-18

DIR. Runners Vaccination Campaign
Is Going MerriIy on.

Health Officer Drummer is about the BUSH
est man in Savannah these days. The
next busiest ere the five city physicians
whose work is cut out for them by The
health officer. DR. Drummer is engaged in
the only genuine vaccination campaign
ever conducted in Savannah, and he has
gore into it with all the nervousness and
eoruestness of which ne Is capable. The
city physicians are his lieutenants, and
are ably seconding his efforts.
The fact that smallpox appears to be
on the increase throughout South Geor-
gia and that it Is out OF the question to
shut off intercourse with these counties
has determined the health officer upon
the course, in which he is heartily backed
up by the sanitary board. The fact that
the disease is of very mild type is no
argument with him for permitting its sX-
istence in Savannah. The report of a
smallpox epidemic here, whether mild or
severe, would do the city considers BILE
damage in keeping away Northern visit
ors, as well as people from the surround
ing country who come here to trade.
OF he several cases now at the pest
house the majority were brought here from
other counties and In nearly every instance
the infection has been traced to outside
sources. DR.. Drummer does not rest con-
tent. however. with simply removing the
patient from the city, but the inmates OF
iae infected houses are also taken to the
pest house and kept under observation in
separate quarters from the patients for
a term of fourteen days. This fact is
doubtless responsible for the impression
that there are a number of patients at
the pest house. which is not the case.
If Savannah were the only locality af-
fected the situation would be very easy
one 20 handle. As no concerted efforts are
being made, however, in other counties
to stamp out the disease, DR.. Drummer has
determined upon a general campaign of
vaccination and, If necessary, will render
the whole city immune by this process
within the next thirty days. This cam
paign has been waged effectively during
the last week, and DR.. Drummer stated yes
terday that about 1900 persons had been
vaccinated ia the city during the week
just ended. This does not include the large
number vaccinated by physicians in their
regular practice BY the end of this week
Dr.. Drummer expects that the number OF
public vaccinations win exceed 1900. The
inspection of the schools has been finish
ed. The railroad officials are Corpora ting
actively with the health officer. About one
half Of the railroad employees of the city
have already been Vaccinated and the
work viii be completed this week All
the city employees, who have not already
been vacciuated, viii be required TO un-
cergo vaccination this week Manufacture
ing institutions and Other establishments
having large working forces will be taken
up In turn.
Nhile there are frequent protests, the
public generally sympash lze with the
movement, and the Offices Of the city phy-
sicians are crowded daily with those tho
come voluntarily to be vaccinated Dr.
Drummer himself has Nacciuated numbers
who Voluntarily applied az his Office. The
interest which has been aroused IN the
movement has given the physicians a
great deal of work in this line, many peo-
PIE naturally preferring TO have the serv-
Ices Of theIr regular physcians.