Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-03-23
AS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH.


The report comes from Ogden OF a
death from the contagious disorder that
has been prevalent In several parts OF
the State. II has been pronounced
smallpox by number OF the medical
faculty, although others have dlssented
from their opinion, But granting that
the former diagnosis Is correct. II is
evident that the disease has been mani
fest iy a very mild form" The ogden
case is the only fatal one that has been
recorded.
II Is true there was an announcement
OF fatal case at a distant sheep camp.
in the extreme southeastern part OF
the State. but the particulars were not
sufficiently definite TO constitute evil
dence that would establish the conjec-
ture.
While there have BEEN but these two
reported Instances OF death from small
pox. during the entire period OF the ex-
element that was raised over the APP
pearance Of the disorder, there have
been numerous fatalities from other in
fectlous diseases. Scarlet fever. FOR in
stance. has numbered great many
victims, chiefly among children. Official
returns from health officers establish
this fact beyond question.
It Is clear from experience, then, that
there has been more need OF precau-
tons. especially as to the public schools.
for the prevention Of the spread OF scar
let fever. than Of all the fuss that was
raised over the smallpox scare And yet
schools were not closed for the former
cause, Notwithstanding the greater
danger
These occurrences and the figures that
show results, AFFORD food for reflection.
The occurrences Of the past few months
as 20 the public health. suggest that
while undue excitement over any ex.
pected epidemic is unwise and unprofit.
able. yet that precautions are necessary
against other disorders than that which
is said to be smallpox.
Scarlet fever. dlphtheria and other
fatal diseases, may be checked in their
spread by isolation Of the diseased and
infected. and by sanitary regulations
strictly enforced. The evidence is con.
yincing that zymotic diseases can be
more effectually stamped out" by such
measures than by any other means
The decline In their fatal effects can be
traced 90 those precautions. but are
sometimes attributed to nostrums and
pretended prophylaoties which have
been demonstrated TO be OF fanciful
effect.
The general health in Utah Is cause
for congratulatlon While there are
stlll cases Of the contagious disorder
which. n II is really smallpox. is pc
cullarly free from the worst symptoms
Of the disease. It Is not spreading 10
any extent. but Is gradually dying out,
Ogden seems 10 have become Infected
and has larger number Of cases than
Salt Lake or other large cities in the
state, and therefore cannot make the
boast or indulge in the jeers. which
some OF its citizens and It's principal
newspaper altered short time ago, In
reference TO conditions in this city
We sympa,hlze with our neighbor in
the north. however, and hope II will
soon be free from eontagion.
Fresh air. pure water. general clean.
illness OF person, OF homes Of business
houses and public premises, temperance
IN diet, regular habits and avoidance
81 all excess. viii promote the general
health and preserve public order and
peace. Sanitation and quarantine will
operate against infection. And cheer
,ul spirit with the absence OF fear. will
be found sovereign aid against freshly
lis as well as mental disorders.