Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-07-13
HOW WHITE PLAGUE
IS BEING FOUGHT

Dr. Lewis NJ. Gaines. of the Home
Treastnent Dispensary for tuberculosis
which was inaugurated April %, 1907, has
issued an interesting report giving a
resume OF the work of the dispensary
during the two years of its existence In
this city. This report shows the dispen-
sery to have done a splendid work in the
alienation and prevention Of the disease.
According to the report. 115 persons ap-
piled for treatment between the months
OF April q, 1907 and January 1. 1908 OF
this number forty-six persons had tuber-
culosis. From January 1, 1908, to Janu-
airy l. 1908, $40 patients applied of whom
AZ had tuberculosis. 1t is with the 126
cases OF tuberculosis that the report
deals. OF the, 126, one hundred and one,
o. so per cent were white, and 20 per
cent were negroes. The apparent large
number of white cases is explained as due
to the fact that the main efforts of the
dispensary have been directed toward the
cure OF the whites, and the additional
fact that the whites. being better inform
ed, have awaited themselves more readily
Of the opportunities for treatment As
matter Of fact, the extent of the dis
case Is three-fold as great among the
negroes In Atlanta. 1t is set forth that
II a preponderance of negro patients was
admitted. 1t would tend to keep the
whites from taking advantage of the
treatment, and for this reason it is urged
that a special clinic is badly needed for
the negro patients.
The proportion of males afflicted with
tuberculosis seems to be greater than
among females. OF the total 20 were
males and 56 females. The overindul-
sehce In alcohol is given as one of the
reasons for this state OF affairs
STATISTICS REGARDING AGE.
The statistics regarding age are inter-
esting. or the 126 cases. seven were
under the age of fifteen. eighty-six were
between fifteen and thirty-hve, while
thirty-three were over the age of thirty
Ave. The inroads of the disease, there
FORE a.e manifested at the age of
greatest usefulness
Regarding the habits of the patients
the report states the records are rather
vague. Seven admitted the use of al
cohol. sixty-four denied its use. while
there is; no record regarding the remain
Ing hfty-hve. Thirty-four used tobac-
co, forty-four did not and Of the others
no record WAS obtainable. In this con-
/ nection 1t Is stated that the use of tobacco
and alcohol has tendency to predispose
toward the disease rather than to prevent
It, as is often argued by the laiety The
use OF patent consumptive cures is also
deprecated.
s-A OuCHlHB on Jl6 OF the disease
the report has this to say:
'As regards duration of the disease,
eighty-three had had symptoms less than
ono year, seventeen from one to two
years, fourteen from two to five years
six from I'VE to ten years, four from ten
! to twenty years. In two cases there was
no record. One of the very useful objects
in view In, the educational campaign re-
gardinR tuberculosis is to enable the peo-
pie to apply to physicians early IN their
disease. Very frequently the mode OF
onset In tuberculosis Is extremely insid-
lous so that patients often have the dis
cage many months before they seek adj
vice concerning symptoms which really
appear to them. relatively unimportant.
And delap IL extremely dangerous.
METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS.
The unreliability OF the examination of
sputum Is touched on. The report states
that frequently caseS are ruled out when
no bncili are found Great care should
he exercised in all such examinations. The
general appearance OF the patient is, also.
frequently deceptive It IS stated. A man
may look we'll and In sound condition
after the disease has made big inroads
After treating at length OF the symp-
toms of the disease tho report gives the
Relieving table of cases treated
-, rs. Cases Pet
Number arrested, =, =, q, e, Y e.5
Number improved, =, :, -, >, a6 $50
Number unimpreved., =, =, =, 20 is
Number died. :, ;, :, >, =, -, 20 20
Nuriher discontinued treat
ment.2 4, !. :. e. :, - - =, IS ID
In conclusion the report saysi
when enc considers with what iRered-
1ble thereushness, disinfectisn is praeticed
in premises infected with diphtheria.
snaaflpax scarlet fever Ii seems passing