The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-12

two or three weeks, sometimes longer,
after the patient appears to be entirely
well; likewise other members of the
family OF the nurse may have an in
fected throat without contracting the
disease, and in this way act as uncon-
sciOus carriers of it.
Formerly it was supposed that diph
liberia might arise from filthy, local con-
dttiOnS, but modern researches have dis
proven this theory; however, that scarce
ly lessons the Importance of sanitation.
Nothing favOrs the invasion or intensi-
fies the ravages of the disease so much
as unsanitary environments, and so Of
/ ten has this been observed that diph-
iberia has sometimes been called a filth
disease. Soil conditions which cause
dampness of habitations, undrained eel
lars, neglected sink drains, cesspools
and privies, sewer-gas, unventilated
rooms without sunlight, polluted drink
ing Water-in fact, all unsanitary con-
ditiOns-cOnduce to this malady by de-
pressing the vital forces of resistance.
thus preparing the mucous membrane
Of the respiratory tract for the more
favorable reception of the organism of
diphtheria.
It should be borne in mind that diph-
iberia may exist in any degree of severi-
ty from a simple sore throat, scarcely
noticeable, to that of the most malig-
nant type.
Sore Tlaroats Dangerous.
DR.. Crumbine warns people against
sore Threats. He says:
'Diphtheria may exist in any de-
gree of severity from a simple sore
throat, scarcely noticeable, to the most
malignant type.
The slightest sore throat should
not be neglected, especially when
diphtheria exists in the vicinity. Not
infequently have sO-called cases of
tonsilitis or pharyngitis been proven
upon meteorological examination to be
diphtheria.
1.-THE school room is an open field
for infection. A greater number Of
cases occur in autumn, following the
opening of schools, than at any other
period of the year A single injected
pupil may communicate the disease to
the extent of starting an epidemic. The
avenues of infection are many using
the same drinking cup, exchanging
pencils, books, chewing gum kissing,
and other practices.
mo child who has a sore throat OF
any kind should be allowed to attend
school. Whenever diphtheria is pres
ent in a town or locality, the mlldesg
form of sore throat is looked upon
with suspicion. If no physician IS at
tending the case, the board OF health
should at once be notified of the sus-
piciOus case.
when a child or young person is
taken with a sore throat, especially
when accompanied by fever, It should
Do separated from dll ttl4CLS ultetA a.
be ascertained that It is not diphtheriaa
particularly if the disease exists IN the
town or vicinity. The mother OF
nurse in charge of case, should moi
mingle with the other members of the
family. All superhuous furniture, car
! pets, curtains, extra clothing, BOOKS
/ etc. not needed in the sick room should
: be removed. An abundance Of fresh
/ air should provided, without subjecung
the patient to drafts. All discharges
I from the BODY should be placed in
! disinfectant solution before being dis
I posed of. All articles used by the
patient must be disinfected before be-
/ ing removed from the room"