Goldsboro weekly argus. [volume] (Goldsboro, N.C.) 1885-1909, 1904-10-13
DIPHTHERIA.
Mr.. Chas. b. Miller Writes
Clearly and Pertinently
On This Dreaded
Disease.

EDITOR ARGUS: AT this time
when Diphtheria is so prevalent in
our community / feel that some gem
eral Information would be acceptable
to our citizens pertaining to this
most dangerous disease, and I here
with submit the following matter,
obtained from the very latest and
best authorities on the subject of
Diphtheria.
Diphtheria does not arise de novo.
Every case has its origin in previous
case, either directly or remotely. The
Bacilli may enter the body through
the inspired air; they may be taken
in the mouth with toys or other
articles upon which they have
lodged, or by kissing, and some
times by accidental incubation. AS
a rule, the bacili first gain a foot
hold upon the mucous membrane of
the tonsils, nose or larynx.
Direct infection is the cause in the
great majority of the cases. There is
no proof that the bacilliare contained
in the breath of a person suffering
from the disease. They are dis
charged in great numbers in the
saliva and mucus from the mouth
and nose, and in pieces Of mem brane
which are coughed up; they are not
present in the urine or fnceS. The
most contagious are those of pharyn-
geaI diphtheria of severe type and
long duration, chiefly on account of
the amount of discharge which ac-
companies them. The cases that are
least contagious are those in which
the membrane is limited to the
latyn1 and lower air passages.
Direct infection may occur from
persons convalescent from diph
liberia, whose throats still contain
virulent bacilli, or from persons suf-
fering from a mild form of the dis
ease, which is not recognized as
diphtheria. In the latter way it is
often spread in schools. It has been
shown that a person may harbor
virulent bacilli in his nose or throat,
and may even communicate the dis
ease to others, without himself suf-
fering from diphtheria at any time.
The length of time during which
a patient with diphtheria may con-
vey the disease to others is some
what uncertain. Transmission is
possible so long as virulent bacilli
remain in the throat; and these are
frequently found two weeks after
the membrane has disappeared and
the patient is regarded as entirely
well, and in few cases they are
found five or six weeks, Or longer, ,af-
ter recovery.
Indirect infection is not uncom-
mon, and may occur from the bed
or clothing of the patient, from the
carpet, furniture, wallpaper or hang
ings of the room, from toys Or. pic
ture books, from dishes, feeding-bot.
ties, or drinking cups, from swab-
brushes used for local applications
to the throat, from spoons and ton
gue-depressors, and from surgical in
struments with which tracheotOmy
| or intubation has been done. Diph
liberia may be carried by third per
| son, but rarely, except by one WHIT
has been in close contact with tht
| patient-either the physician o.
| nurse. The frequency of diphtheri'
| in physicians families bears witness
to the great danger of infection il
| this manner.
The incubation of diphtheria il
short, In most of the cases in which
it could be definitely traced it ha
been between two and five days.
| Second attacks ofdiphtheria, whil
| more frequent than of measles o
scarlet fever, are relatively rare. l
seems to be established by recent oh
seryations that the immunity con
ferred by one attack of diphtheria
of comparatively short duration
amounting probably to few month
only. Instances have recently bee
reported where second attack OF
Cured within two months of tn
| first, although Antitoxine was usee
j The use of Antitoxine is attende
\ by no serious consequences, and
J the best and safest treatment fe