The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-10-09
PREVALENCE OF
TYPHOID FEVER
DR.. Allen Said There Is an Unusually
Large Number Of Cases and some
thing Should Be Done to As
certain the Origin.

The number of cases Of typhoid
fever in Scranton ana the vicinity Is
reaching higher proportions, and while
during the fall of every year the city
is affected by the disease. still this
years typhoid is more prevalent than
usual. During September. nineteen
cases were reported to the board of
health, and ten deaths, which figures
are high in comparison with former
statistics.
All of the city hospitals have a
number of typhoid patients and prac-
ticing physicians throughout the city
daily meet with cases of the ravaging
illness. Already this month, several
cases have been reported to the board
of health, and a number Of deaths
have occurred.
The disease is very prevalent In
Peckvilel at present, where twenty
cases are reported.
Typhoid fever is always caused by
either defective drainage or contami-
mated water. which favors the growth
of the typhoid germs. and Health OFF,
GER Allen yesterday told a Tribune man
that unless there is marked de-
crease in the number Of cases re-
ported, he would submit a PROPOSE
tion to the board of health, providing
for a meteorological examination of
the water supply.
DIR. Allen, in discussing the situation
with Tribune man yesterday, said:
"While Scranton isn't suffering from
what would call a typhoid epidemic.
still there are an unusually large
number of cases in the city, and some
measures should be taken to look after
their origin.
1.-THE disease is not considered con-
tagious, although the idea generally
prevails that 1t is, and while it might
be communicated by means of cloth
ing and linen. still it cannot be spread
by mere personal contact. In former
years it was considered contagious.
Therefore 1t is plain that 1t must orr
ginate from some universal source.
"At this season Of the year, after
q hot and dry summer, the water sup
plies are low, and contain bacilli.
which might cause disease. AS yet no
examination has been made. Scranton
Is usually very free from typhoid fe-
yer, and this renders the present
spread of the disease SO peculiar"
DR.. Allen then passed into general
discussion Of the disease, and remark
ing. Here are a few points on the
subject" picked up medical book on
the subject, and read as follows:
Typhoid fever Is especially preva-
lent in temperate climates.
defective drainage and contamin.
ated water are two particular condi-
tions favoring its development.
Filth and bad ventilation lower the
power Of resistance of the person af-
fected.
"In fall months it prevails most and
is known as the autumnal fever"
At present eight cases of typhoid
fever are being treated at the Hahne-
mann hospital. Three patients are at
the Lackawanna, one of whom, small
boy by the name of John Boyle. is now
convalescent and another of whom,
John Strange, was brought in only
yesterday. Boyle has been receiving
treatment during the last two months.
Strange Is colored and resides at 33j
Penn avenue. At the Moses Tayolr
hospital. a large number of cases were
received, and all but two have now
been dismissed, cured.
Among the most recent deaths from
typhoid is that of Hugh Gilmore. the
we'll known South Scranton contractor
and ex-coal operator. who died Sun
day. Miss Sally Reilly. of Gardner
avenue, who died Saturday afternoon.
is another of typhoid's victims.