Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-07-15
PUBLIC HEALTH LAWS.

Sweeping changes in the rules and
regulations for the protection OF public
health we're made by the state board OF
health at meeting held in Richmond
Wednesday afternoon. DR.. w. NJ.
Smith, OF this city, was chosen secretary
of the board. The new rules, drawn up
in accordance with power conferred by
the recent legislature, are more
stringent than those which have been
in effect heretofore, and have the full
force Of the law. Violation of them
is punishable by fine or Imprisonment,
or both.
After the regular business had been
dispatched, the board began framing
new regulations, with the result that
many of the old rules were remodeled.
Particularly was this the case as regards
the rules affecting the care and treat
ment OF patients suffering from con-
tagious infectious diseases, and the use
Of disiniectants and other preventives.
In cases Of smallpox, for instance,
machinery is to be provided for the
diagnosis, following which every sus-
pected case must be isolated. The
premises are TO be quarantined, and
all persons who have been exposed,
save those who can show vaccination
scars sufficiently recently to be re-
garded as protective, are also to be
placed in quarantine. Those thus
protected will be allowed to leave the
house, but not until their belongings
have been fumigated. The time limit
OF the quarantine is twenty-one days,
during which time the house must be
placarded.
Similar rules were adopted regard
ing the isolation OF cases of diphtheria
and scarlet fever, and of suspected
cases. Adults who have been ex-
posed but are considered safe are al
lowed to attend to their regular bus
mess, but in order to make assurance
doubly sure they are to be prevented
from going into schools, churches or
other places where children are in
attendance. Adults employed in the
handling OF milk or any foodstuff may
not work until the period OF isolation
has passed.
Among the preventive measures
adopted were rules requiring that the
sweeping out OF schoolrooms in a
sanitary fashion, after all the pupils
have departed for the day, and requir-
ing that good sanitary drinking water
be supplied.
Rules following the same general
lines were drawn up regarding railroad
coaches, it being specified that no coach
shall be swept or busted while occupied
by passengers; that under no circum-
stances may dry dust cloth or feather
brush be used. Cuspidors containing
water must be disinfected at the end of
every run, and everything portable in
the car must be taken out at least once
every month and thoroughly cleaned,
busted and aired. The interior of the
car must be fumigated.
Similar rules were also drawn up re-
garding the care of railway stations,
theatres and other places where the
public is apt to congregate.
The board announced before adjourn
ment the county board Of health mem
bers. The following are those in the
Eighth district
Alexandria-W. r. Ferby, chairman,
Falls Church; Dr.. d. c. Corbett, Ar
lington; DIR. T. C. Quick, Falls Church;
DR.. - Yates, Potomac.
Cnlpeper-Atwell Somerville, chair
man, Mtchells; DIR. f. II. Lewis, Cul
I epe DIR. F. NJ. Campbell, Jefferson
ton DR.. ]. NJ. Scott, Raccoon Ford.
Fairfax-George Aud, chairman,
Alexandria; DIR. F. NJ. Brooks, SWEET
man; DIR. A. C. Coumbe, Vienna; DR..
f. l.. Detwiler, Herndon.
Fauquier-M. Bartenstein, chairman
Warrenton; DIR. r. |. Hicks, Warren
ton; DIR. 7. Moncure, Bealeton; DIR.
Stephen Harnsberger, Catlett
King George-Dr. NJ. w. Minor, Co
morn; Dr. C. G. Williams, Index.
LOuisa-Captain w. r. Meade,
Louisa; DR.. H. W. Porter,
Louisa; DIR. E. A. Terrell, Frederick's
Hall; DR.. p. P. May, Treyillians.
Loudoun-T. B. James, chairman,
DIR. n. G. West, Leesburg
DR.. l. Fl. Thomas, IAldic; DIR. H. G.
Plaster, Bluemont.
Orange-W. w. Sanford, chairman,
Orange; DIR. Lewis Holiday, Orange;
DIR. J. T. Walker, Barboursville; DIR.
W. J. Crittenden, Unionville.
Prince William. p. Manuel, chair
man, Nokesyille;ID j. NJ. Lewis, Ma
nassas; DIR. Benjamin Brown, Nokes-
Vile; DIR. ]. w. Hornsbaker, OccOquan.
Stafford-Dr. L. NJ Snead, Stafford;
DR.. w. H. Tate Jackets Mill; DIR. E.