The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-26
LOCAL SMALLPOX SCARE.
DIR. Frank w. FOxwOrthy Talks of
the Conditions.

DR.. Frank W. Foxworthy, late captain
and assistant surgeon of the Thirty-fourth
United States Infantry, who served in the
Philippines, talked to a Journal reporter
yesterday about the local smallpox situa-
ton. He said
1.-The condition to-day OF the smallpox sit
uation, as summarized by the daily papers
and the Board Of Health. seems TO be this:
Thtrty-seven actual cases reported, the
pesthOuse at the City Hospital full and
eighteen cases of smallpox scattered
throughout the city, each quarantined
wherever he may happen 10 be. In other
words, have eighteen little pesthouseS
in different parts of the city and each one
is the center and source Of smallpox infec-
ton.
II have been asked how this dread
scourge was dealt with in the Philippines.
There warm, moist climate keeps the in
lection alive the entire year and smallpox
is epidemic. Yet last January Manila had
but fifteen cases of smallpox, less than half
of our record here for this January. and
control was gained by systematic, COM
pulsory vaccination, combined with careful
disinfection and isolation. The pesthouse
was placed In the same grounds with the
municipal hospital. and no Ill results fol-
lowed When a person became infected
with smallpox he was removed at once TO
this pest hospital in the smallpox ambu-
lance, which used for that purpose
only. The house, If of bamboo, was torn
down, exposed to the sun for ten days and
4. OF
were sprayed with a solution OF carbolic
acid. The family were taken TO detention
camp remaining there till all danger had
passed. 1t is needless to add that all con-
cerned were vacclnated. These measures
seem harsh, but business and society de-
mands were sacrificed 10 health:
In my own province of Ilocos Norte
even more stringent measures were used
Upon my recommendation each child born
in the province must be vaccinated within
two weeks after birth; in many cases the
hQ nd coin hon. rFlT
A vaccinator was stationed at the door Of
each church and everyone that came to mass
was vaccinated before he left. Vaccinators
and vaccine virus were supplied at the
expense OF the inSular government Vacci-
nation continued on each person every
two weeks until a suitable scar was OBJ
tanned. When case of smallpox was re-
ported to the presidente of q town, he sent
the vaccinator at once to remove the pa
tent 10 the nearest hospital, and the family
10 the nearest detention camp, and TO super
wise the disinfection of the house At the
same time the nearest medical or military
officer was notified and the chief surgeon
and commanding officer of the province
were telegraphed the particulars. The ma
tive police guarded the infected house I'M
til the required ten days had expired. At the
end OF each week each vaccinator sent me
a written report of his work for that week.
and instructions were written or tele-
graphed him as to the conduct of cases and
vaccinations. In each of the fifteen towns
of this province, whose aggregate popula-
| ton was 10000, was built a pest hospital
and collection of detention houses. These
were placed near the city limits. An ex-
! posed family was not placed with others
| in like condition, but had a separate house
| TO itself, go that danger from contact with
| others who might have had a greater ex-
| posture was eliminated. The hospital itself
was always In an open yard and with no
connection with any other building. An
ample guard of native police enforced the
| quarantine. This system was used until
! small pox was stamped out of this province
| and the only cases Occurring came from
| other parts Of the island. | consider this
/ success due mostly TO compulsory vacci-
/ nation.
1T is a far cry from the Philippines to
Indianapolis. and all the sanitary methods
/ in use there not applicable here, but it
should be a cause of deep shame TO us
that smallpox is decreasing there and in
! creasing here. Over 5000 people were
/ vaccinated in Manila last year If such
! extensive vaccination were instituted in In
| dianapOlis We would have no need for a
| pesthouse and the present crisis would not
/ have occurred. II the recommendations of
the present epidemic would be decreasing
! instead or increasing. Instead Of eighteen
! little smallpox hospitals throughout the
city, would have one large hospital
/ lection even when unoccupied and vet far
enough away from other buildings. In
stead OF employing day and night watch
men for eighteen houses the city would
have but one to watch But these considera-
| tions are not conclusive arguments to those
who have the power to remedy this evil.
| II may be that a quarantine against In
dianapols by her sister cities may do it.
1 Or 1t may be the loss of q beloved member
OF the family by smallpox will convince
| them that the great red plague knows no
distinction between rich and poor; is bound
to no political promise or party; is not
| limited by ward boundaries, and is at pres
| ent an unwelcome guest of this city and
! making preparations to stay longer"