The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1907-12-27
con NJ u NICATION
The Danger from Typhoid Fever and How
to Prevent its Spreading
Leavenworth, Dec. D., 1907.

health of community is imperiled.
1t is then imperative that the scientist
take the public into his confidence,
and give, so far as possible, the causes
of disease and protective means indi-
viduals may use, Notwithstanding ethi-
cal considerations which look coldly on
scientific discussion through the daily
press-condition that obtain in an ep-
idemic override such considerations.
From this point of view l would call
the attention of the citizens OF Leav-
enworth to a condition of the public
health demanding attention and indi-
viduaI action in each household, to
avoid the further spread Of the diseese
now prevalent, to what may be justly
termed an epidemic OF typhoid germ
here in Leavenworth.
AS typhoid fever is preventable
disease, and preventable by very SIM
pie means, it is reproach to the
medical profession that people are not
we'll informed regarding it, that they
may protect themselves.
We have the conditions and the Sc
quence-the disease. What, then,
shall be done to stamp it out ? If
citizens will vigorously follow certain
routine, there need not be another case
in the city, aside from those at present
affected through prevailing cause.
Typhoid fever can only be contract
ed by actual contact-that is by the
introduction into the system of the ty-
phoid germ. A short description Of
this germ would be in place, then the
mind would be alive to the danger Of
neglecting to provide such prophyIaxis
as is within the reach of the individual.
This germ, if viewed through a micro
scope, at say, 500 diameters, appears,
and is, a terrifying animal. If the
housewife were to see a specimen Of
the bacillus typhoedeus moving about
in the glass of water so cold and clear
with which she was about to quench
|
her thirst, she certainly would have a
chill and be nauseated, for this animal
would be seen moving about, darling
from side to side with lightning-like
rapidity, tentacles or feelers spread out
to catch or attach to any resisting body.
The bacillus typhoedeus has numerous
tentacles, or feelers-a microscopic
octopus, is fair comparison to convey
an idea of its appearance to the gen
eral reader. This germ is the sole
cause of the disease in question, and
produces the disease in one way only
that is, by being taken into the stom-
ach of the individual through drinking
contaminated water, or milk. When
so taken this germ finds its way into
the intestinal tract, and in due time
selects a special location for its habitat.
There is system of glands scattered
through the intestines, called the soil
tary glands (Pyer). 1t is to these
bodies the germ bacillus typhoedeus
elects to attach, and it becomes i'm
bedded in the gland.
Just here is developed one of the
mysteries of physiology. An immedi-
ate war is declared by nature by
throwing out secretion especially de-
signed for the destruction OF such en-
emies to health and life. This strug-
gle is carried on for time. If ma
lures poison, if we may so name the
Wis medicatrix natura," is potent, the
germ is wasted and all is well. But it
so often happens that nature is not
equal to the task, as is evidenced by
the $4,000 to 10000 deaths yearly
from this disease, then we appeal to
and invite the aid of science to bridge
the terrible gulf.
Through years of careful research
science has conclusively shown that
this disease is caused by an individual
germ, and that the destruction of this
germ is absolutely preventive of the
disease, and that the water supply was
the usual source of contagion.
Typhoid fever is really self-limiting
disease, requiring but slight medica-
ton, if treatment is conducted on sci
entifc grounds. Consequently, pa
tients suffering with this disease should
not be lost, except as will be referred
IN farther on.