Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1911-11-09

The efficacious prevention Of tubercu-
| losis involves the protection of the
healthy individual from needless exposure
to the Infection. Measures to lessen the
danger by reducing the amount and
frequency of exposure on the one hand
and to increase the resistance of the
healthy individual in the inevitable ex-
posure on the other hand, are of equal
Importance. These measures are no less
important than those directed towards
the control Of the consumptive himself.
Protective measures must be viewed as
to their Importance in adverse proportion
to the age of the individual. Precautions
which are of vital Importance for young
infants are inperfuous for adults when
we consider the greater resistance OF the
latter to infection.
INFANTS OF HEALTHY PARENTS.
- The greatest care should be exercised
in projecting the infant from infection,
whether the parents are tuberculosis or
not. Babies should not nurse when the
mother is suspected of tuberculosis, for
it becomes more active during the period
of lactation. unsupported tuberculosis
in the parents is rather common.
| MILK.
The necessity for artificial feeding in
wolves infinite care to insure against the
danger of conveying tubercle bacilli in
the milk. See to it that the cows have
had the tuberculin test if suspected, from
which you get the milk supply; and in
hauling or transportation, see to 1t that
no tubercular person is employed;
furthermore, that it is not exposed to
dust, flies or insects. When these con-
ditions can be fulfilled no danger need be
apprehended from the use of raw milk.
Of course boiled milk is safe because of
its sterilization.
Tuberculous relatives or other men,
bers of the family, servants, nun SEES,
boarders, etc., should be prevented from
coming in close contact with infants.
II these persons have open Tuberculosis
they should under no circumstances kiss
the baby or cough when near it, nor
should they prepare or taste the food nor
offer it the same cup, glass or spoon
which they USE
ANOTHER IMPORTANT PRECAUTIoN.
Don't wipe the baby's hands and mouth
with the ever-ready handkerchief it is a
dangerous weapon and by its iniudicious
use thousands of innocents are infected
with tuberculosis and other diseas SEES
The unwashed fingers of mothers and
relatives too often find their way into
the baby's mouth, especially during the
teething period. The toys are often con-
taminated and carry infection to the
baby. No toys should be given the baby
except those that can be easily washed
from time to time. Pet dogs and cats
are likewise dangerous, for they lie on
the sidewalks and steps and become
soiled with sputum and convey infection
to the nursery. Over shoes, walking
boots and skirts convey infection in a
like manner. 1t is then of the greatest
Importance to have the floor of the
nursery frequently washed up with 5
per cent carbolic solution Is ounces of
carbolic acid to 95 ounces of water) If
rugs are used on the floor hang them out
frequently in the sun, also let in plenty
of sun and air. 1t is known fact that
sun light destroys tubercle bacilli in 3 or
hours and indirect sunlight in or a
days. Fresh air alone is an important
factor in their destruction, so have plenty
of fresh air and all the sunlight you can
/ h., and loo in tho hhD.a
This is very important point to remem-
Der and is great factor in helping to
stamp out tuberculosis.
Again, in travelling on trains and in
conveyances where anticipating ord
nances are not enforced and where dust
ing of clothing is permitted offers pos
sible chance of tuberculous infection.
Visiting public places where tuberculous
persons live are to be discouraged, as
also the monkey house of the geological
gardens, as these animals are frequently
infected.
Be careful ard not treat the ordinary
diseases of childhood to lightly. Whoop-
ing cough, measles, chicken pox, diph-
liberia and tonsilltis present all the fav-
orable conditions for infection through
the air passages. Adenoids, enlarged
/ tonsils and glands. should receive proper
treatment and thereby avoid serious in
lection Digestive disturbances are to
be treated and any other condition that
will weaken the child and thereby lower
its resistance to infection. Accidents
and falls on the head or injury of any
kind should be guarded against, for their
connection with subsequent joint or
bone tuberculosis has some foundation in
clinical experience.
Again, incubation with tubercle bacilli
from scratches is common enough to ex-
ercise care. The possibility of conveying
! tubercle bacilli by means of insects should
be guarded against by screening the
nursery. Vaccination does not play any
part in causing tuberculosis; the same
may be said of circumcision.
have given you some measures for
the healthy individual and parents to
observe. Next week Twill speak of pro-
tective measures relating to infants and
children who have tuberculous parents.
E. C. KEFAUvER, M. d.