Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-11-05
THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

II Is reported by the Board Of Educa-
ZION that about four hundred children
are prevented from attending school on
account Of sickness, some being afilict-
ed with scarlet fever typhoid fever or
other contagious ailment and others
being quarantlned because OF It's pres
enoe In the household. This leads TO
the reflection that at this time Of the
year there Is usually much illness from
fevers and that, therefore. a natural
cause exists for their prevalence at
this season. TO find the cause is one
important step toward applying the
proper remedy
We are OF the opinion that much Of
the present sickness is due to the de-
cayng vegetable matter which Is per-
mitted TO remain upon the ground. Civ
ing forth germs impcrceptible to sight
II not TO smell. These germs, drawn
forth by the rays Of the sun, float IN
the air, are breathed into the lungs,
and II the blood Is in & condition TO re-
ceive and propagate the poisonous
seeds Of disease, the consequences are
soon perceived and the results are
manifested. II Is probably true that
typhoid ls usually traceable TO impure
water. But there are. no doubt, other
means by which the poison Is intro
duced into the human system, and In
the case Of polluted water obtained
from wells, 1t Is probable that foul con-
eltions are often caused by decayed
vegetable and animal matter which has
found its way into the water supply.
We mention this one probable cause
Of sickness for the purpose OF suggest.
ing that II be carefully removed The
leaves that have fallen from shade
trees and fruit trees and which lie
rotting on the ground ought to be raked
together. and II 1t is impolItlc 10 de-
stroy them by means Of bonfres, they
should be carted away to places where
they could be destroyed, or used for
manure In agricultural districts. Ev-
erything that Is decaylng and obnox-
ious to health should be removed or
bruIed under the surface Of the soil.
The earth Is the great and potent de-
odorizer and disinfectant. II can be
utilised without expense. Dry earth is
invaluable for this purpose although 1t
costs next to nothing. A little labor
and little dust will prevent the fructi-
fcation OF germs that are dangerous
10 health and life, and also destroy
that which left uncovered becomes an
offensive nuisance.
II is a matter Of general congratula-
ton that the dreaded smallpox. which
was expected TO return with addition
al yirulence as soon as winter would
approach. has almost entirely disap-
peared. II is to be hoped that Il will
not recommence its ravages. A proper
condition OF the blood and care 10 re-
move or destroy matter that is likely
to favor It's reproduction. may raise ef-
fectual barriers against It. The disease
is generally most prevalent and fatal
in the coolest weather We have
scarcely had touch or breath OF win.
ter yet and Il would be wise to prepare
for the worst by using means to pro-
mote the Best conditions.
Sanitary regulations under The con-
troll OF the city authorities ought to be
enforced wisely yet vigorously. and
every householder and tenant should
aid in promoting the public health
which means individual exemption from
disease, by destroying or burying all
waste and offensive things so as to keep
the adjacent atmosphere as pure as
possible. Personal cleanliness win aid
in the good work Sunshine stluld be
permitted TO find its way into every
room OF every house where II can pene.
trate. Ventilation Of all domiciles and
Offices should be secured. and every et.
fort that common sense and scientific
knowledge and aid can impart, should
be made available for the establish.
ment and preservation Of the genera
health and welfare.
Quarantine regulations ought 10 b
strictly complied with. and persons who
have been exposed 10 any contaglou,
disorder ought TO have regard for tn
interest Of other people, and refrain
from mingling with them so as to con
vey Infection. For notwithstanding m,
denial OF some folks who ought 20 know
better, II Is positively certain tina
germs Of disease may be carried Il
clothing worn by a person who has beel
in contact with Il and yet has not con
tracted II. The dlsinfec,ion Of apart
menis and articles that have been use
for quaraniined patients should In n
case be neglected. The Inconvenience
oecssioned by these sanitary rules is II,
tie. In comparison with the dire effect