Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-22
CEREBRO-sPINAL FEVER.
Quickly Fatal in Some Cases-Linger-
ing and Chronic In Others


From the New York Herald.
Following the recent severe epidemic OF
cerebro-spinal mningitis Is the usual num-
Der OF chronic and complicated cases that
drag their weary length along. With the
passing OF the storm the wrecks are tie
more easily counted and the causes for
their occurrence are the more easily de-
termined In summing up results many re-
markable phases OF the disease have been
brought to light. The wonder Is that the
survivors should persist in living In spite
OF the number and severity of the success
sive complications. Children who became
stricken In the beginning are still anxiously
watched at deaths door. with scarcely a
hope that the valiant efforts OF physician
and nurse will be ultima tely rewarded by
the final recovery of the luckiess victim.
In recent issue Of the Herald is an ac-
count OF one sufferer who had remained
senseless for more than two months as the
result or brain complication that occur
red early in the attack. The physician In
attendance Is quoted as saying that al
though the case is q rare one aSd the coma
tose condition still continues, recovery may
not De Impossible. The unfortunate Offset
TO such prognOsis Is that no one can tell
what new extensions of disease may occur
at any time In other organs nor, when once
started. how long they may continue to
develop. There have been no better ex-
amples OF the severity and persistence OF
this disease than those that have shown
themselves during the now passing cpl
demic. When spotted fever does not kill
quickly. as II usually does I'm its acute and
Illuminating variety, IT is apt to drift into
a chronic form that may last for months.
during which almost every vital organ may
be in turn attacked by the virulent microbe
Numerous instances OF this latter mani
festatlon are still scattered throughout the
tenement districts of the city. while others
have gone through the ordeal apparently
unscathed This has been due not so much
TO any special treatment for the malady as
TO the skill In maintaining the strength and
vital resistance of the patients, and to the
exercise of watchful care in meeting GER
tain indications In the successive phases of
the aiiment. OF the latter tapping Of tho
spinal canal and the withdrawal OF accu-
mulated fluid has found most favor BY
such means 1t has been claimed that pres
sure on brain and spinal cord has not only
been markedly relieved, but the amount OF
poison In the body has been thereby les
ed have recovered. while in the more nu-
merous ones that go progressively to the
bad no distinct impression has been made
by such surgical Interference
The marked fatility OF the recent scourge
has been in great part due to the number
OF brain complications that have been de-
veloped. producing profound organic leson1
In the majority OF these death has been q
mercy and saved the victim from the af-
fections of blindness. deafness and mental
imbecility.
The most melancholy reflection in the
present retrospect is that the medical pro-
feSsion. so skilled in other matters Is con-
fessedly perplexed with many of the prob
lens OF this mysteriously periodical cpl
demic Invasion. Apparently II has not yet
been positively determined how the indi-
vidual becomes infected. and through what
particular channels the death-dealing or
ganism enters the system. Nor has any
remedy been found as yet that can stay
its ravages or check its course If 1t is
only question of bad air and tenement
life. some necessary preventive measures
may be taken before the next visitation.
But. theorize as we will. We are yet In
sad need of facts. Perhaps the expert men,
nights commission. If 1t can ever make
timely conclusion Of its labors. may even
tually settle the many disputed points at
issue and give US that new hope for the
future that We so sorely need
In the meanwhile. let us be thankful
that the scourge is virtually at end.
and that our little ones are at least safe
for some months to come.