Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1910-11-17
Prevent Spread Of DlDhthsTia.
Board of Health Bulletin. )


be prevented. In al these precau-
tons, il must be remembered that
the administration Of antisoSin IN
any case does not render that case
less dangerous to others. The germs
are there and unless they are proper
u cared for, they will be spread 70
other persons. Experience has
shown that there are four factors in
preventing the spread OF diptheris.
all of which have to 5e cousi6ered.
These are:
l. The prompt and accurate d.
agnosis Of all cases and tie immedi-
ate use Of anttoxin.
2. The prompt report OF every
case 70 the local health officer.
3. The rigid isolation Of every
ease. even the mildest. and the par
tal quarantine Of every infected
family.
4. The maintenance Of isolation
and quarantine until the germs OF
the disease have entirely disappeared
from the patient.
Each Of these needs a word Of
explanation.
Every case must be promptly and
accurately diagnosed to prevent the
spread of the disease before the
patient is stricken down and 70 de
tsct cases which show few outward
signs Of the malady. Often before
a person shows any signs Of diph-
iberia. that person may have the
active germs of the disease in his
taroaS and may spread these germs
TO others; often a person. feeling
little inconvenience. may have the
disease and may have in his throat
germs which will produce the disease
in its most virulent form in another
person. The only sure way OF de-
tec6ng the disease is to have a mi
croscopic examination made. in the
method outlined above.
The second factor in preventing
the spread of diphtheria. the prompl
report OF all cases TO the local health
officer. IS essential for the protection
OF the community. Those who are
most liable TO contract diphtheria.
the children. are those who associ
ate most Intimately together and
/ those who know least about self.
/ protection. For the welfare of hi,
neighbors. every parent should see
see 10 II that the existence Of diph
liberia in his household is promptly
made known; for the information
and warning Of his profession. every
physician should rigidly obey the
law requiring the immediate repor,
OF every case of diphtheria. Eos
the same reason. every case. nc
matter how mild. should be strictly
isolated to prevent the spread of ths
disease 20 other members of the
household or 10 other houses in the
city. This may impose a hardship
on one person. but the safety OF
The whole above the comfort OF the
welfare Of the community must be
considered before the comfort OF
the individual. The nature of the
ISOLATION and quarantine which are
necessary TO prevent the spread OF
diphtheria. and the precautions
which must be taken are briefly out
lined below, under a separate cap
ton.
As the germs of diphtheria fire.
quently remain IN the throat or nose
of person long after that person
has recovered from al outward evil
dences Of the disease, the fourth
element il preventing the spread of
oiphtheria is very important No
patient should leave the sick room
or come IN contact with other per
sons until a microscopic examination
has shown that the germs Of diph-
iberia are no longer 70 DC found in
the throat or nose Of that patient.
This examination IS made in pre-
cisely the same manner as that for
the diagnosis Of the disease and