Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-09-13
DECREASES IN TYPHOID
Physicians Report Show 1927 Cases
This Summer Against 3,19S
in 1911.

August statistics of typhoid fever in
Virginia, just received at the State
Board of Health, and compared with
the figures for the preceding two
months, show decrease of 1,671 cases
from the record of 1911, and indicate
that during the past summer, typhoid
in rural Virginia has been cut in half.
The result of the August tabulation
was awaited with much interest by
health officers. Figures for June and
for July of the present year had shown
that there was far less fever than in
1911, and there was hope that if the
August figures were satisfactory, Vir-
ginia might achieve a unique record
in reducing its TYPHOID fever. Some
concern was felt, however, as several
small outbreaks had been reported in
August, and as the season had not
been especially favorable. The fig
ures arranged yesterday, however,
fully bore out the hopes of health
workers. In August, 1911, 500 ply
sicians reported to the Board of
Health 1,042 cases Of typhoid. In
August of the present year on the
same bass, 6S1 cases we're reported.
AS there was reduction Of 302
cases June, 1912 as compared with
the same months for the preceding
year, the aggregate reduction for these
has been 1871 cases from a total Of
3,19S cases in the three months of
1911. AS these figures are from the
reports of less than half the physici-
ans in the State, it is believed that the
total decrease in typhoid during the
last three months will reach 5000
cases.
At the office Of the Board of Health,
the reduction in typhoid was freely
discussed yesterday. Speaking in
round numbers" said an officer of the
board, "it is safe to say that there is
not in Virginia today more than half
as much typhoid fever as there was N
1911. Some of this decline, of course,
is due to the comparative mild sea-
son, but statistics from other States
show that in the best and mildest
seasons, the decrease is never more
than twenty per cent below the nor
NAL. The greater part of this decline
must be attributed to the education Of
the people. They have learned how
typhoid is spread and how it may be
prevented, and they are applying, in
their homes the fundamentals of sani-
tation. One has only to traverse ru-
raj Virginia to see the great improve
ment in the crucial matters, sanitary
out buildings and sanitary wells. It'll
is tribute to the people of Virginia
that they have accepted the truths of
modern sanitation and have achieved
this record
"The full benefits Of what has been
done can only be repeated by care
throughout the year. Neglect of pre-
cautions will always be allowed by |
outbreaks, daily regard for the few
essentials will insure good health. If
the Virginia people continue to improve
their methods of sewerage disposal, |
4Lo;,, ,,o{or c,,J ,,l;or o,,1 ~ 80, will.
we may expect still further declines in
typhoid. Preventable disease is in di-
rect proportion to carelessness."
The field laboratory of the Board of
Health, which has been located in Roa-
noke, has about finished its investiga-
tons, but the experts of the board
are still studying the outbreaks re-
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