Danville intelligencer. [volume] (Danville, Pa.) 1859-1907, 1905-11-03
BOARD OF HEALTH
HELD MEETING

The Board of Health held special
meeting Friday for the purpose of
discussing the situation as it relates
to the mild epidemic of diphtheria
prevailing in Danville and for the pur-
pose of making some recommendation
looking to a stamping out of the dis
ease.
DR.. P. O. Newbaker, President of
the Board, occupied the chair and ex.
planned the object of the meeting. DR.
O. Shultz, Secretary, was at his post
and read the minutes of the preceding
meeting. which took place on May Bird
last. The different wards of the Bor-
ough were represented as follows:
First Ward, James Shultz; Second
Ward, W. II. Woodside; Third Ward.
J. B. Cleaver; Fourth Ward, Robert
Farley.
Secretary Shultz presented q report
relating to the diphtheria outbreak,
which showed that the first case oc-
Cured on August end. Up to the pres
ent 80 houses have been placarded.
During October 23 houses have been
under quarantine. Three deaths have
occurred.
Since September 22 out OF % cases
reported IS of the homes infected were
those of children attending st Jo-
seph's ParoolIihl school. This was
considered significant, although it was
regarded by no means conclusive that
conditions about the p,rochial school
are uusanitary. The fact that the most
uf the children attending the parochi-
al school reside in part OF tie town
in which the disease prevails in the
opinion OF the members counted for
something. Nevertheless it was thought
advisable that the Health Officer visit
the school and make an investigation
of the closets. plumbing. &c.
Health Officer Brown being presene
reported that he had in the perform
ance of his duty been on the premises
and discovered that the closets were
unsanitary.
On motion of Mr.. Cleaver, seconded
by Mr.. Shultz,it was ordered that the
Health Officer ask permission to make
a further examination of the parochi-
al school, paying especial attention to
the cellar. closets, plumbing, &c. land
to make such recommendations as con-
ditions might seem to warrant. If ad-
visable it was recommended that the
parochial school be ,fumigated by the
Health Officer Saturday.
On motion of Mr.. Woodside, second
ed by Mr.. Shultz, it was ordered that
the attention of Council and the Street
Commissioner be called to the un-
cleanly and unhealthy condition of
many of the alleys about town.
In view of the fact that mild cpl
demc of diphtheria is prevailing in
our town on motion the following rec
concentrations of the Board of Health
were ordered given to the public:
Anything which deteriorates gener-
al good health tends to render the sys-
TEN liable to disease aud in this way
filth may be considered promoter of
diphtheria. Perfect cleanliness should
be enjoined in the house and in all its
surroundings.
Parents in whose families the dis
ease has broken out, who are able to
do so may send their children unaf-
fected with the disease TO homes in
winch there is no one liable to con-
tract it. But whenever such removals
are made the children should not min
gle with the public until after the
lapse of two weeks
If possible only the purest water
should be used. If there is any doubt
about the purity of the water. boil it
thoroughly before using it. Foods and
milk should not be used which comes
from house in which there is diph-
liberia or any other contagious disease.
for these may carry the germs of the
disease.
Whenever a child or young person
its breath, especially if it has fever. it
should immediately be separated from
all other persons excepting necessary
attendants until 1T has been ascertain
ed by physician whether it has
diphtheria or some other oommunic-
able disease.
Whenever the disease is prevalent in
any district children should be remov-
| cd from the day and Sabbath schools.
Beware of person who has sore
| throat. Do not kiss or take the breath
of such person. Do not drink from
| the same cup, or use any article hand
| led by such person until it is disin-
feoted.
Gases of diphtheria should be re-
ported to the local Board of Health or
to tho Health Officer at once. Do not
send your clothing to a public laundry
to be washed during an epidemic OF
diphtheria.
Secretary be Instructed to communi.
cate with the State Health Depart
ment with view of securing an an
alysis of our Borough water.
On motion it was ordered that here
after persons keeping hogs in the Bor
ough will be Obliged to conform will
the Borough Ordinance relating to tn,
subject of hogs. Otherwise pig pen
will be declared nuisance.