Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-31
Preventing tuberculosis.

1t Is highly encouraging to hear from
those who are addressing the sessions Of
the National Association for the Study
and Prevention OF tuberculosis. now in
session here, that the disease IL decreas-
ing. Sanitarians and insurance statis-
ticians agree that there is less prevalence
of this afniction now than In years past,
and the hope IL rising that ultimately
the white plague will be conquered. Ger
tainly more is known Of tuberculosis now
than ever before, and 1t Is rated as
preventable and q possibly durable dis
ease. The causes have been traced and
the circumstances OF it's spread are being
widely exploited. 30 that the truth is
reaching even the most ignorant.
These results have been accomplished
by dint Of effective organization and fper-
sistent publicity. The newspapers Of the
country have done a most valuable work
in constantly setting before their millions
of readers the truth about tuberculosis.
combating the old notion of its strictly
hereditary and unpreventable character,
pointing out the dangers of carelessness
on the part Of sufferers from the disease,
showing how the risk can be lessened by
the observance of sanitary laws, preach
iu6 Tie 0OCtIuO VI lTSSH anu SOOQ
food. and releasing humanity from the
thraidom Of fear of an inevitable enemy
that could not by any possibility be re-
sisted.
This organization now in session in
Washington is the highest American ex-
preston Of faith in the possibility of
modern medicine and sanitation to con-
quer this disease, that has taken count
less numbers Of victims in the course of
time. 1t comprises those who are most
active in the warfare. and its proceedings
are of the utmost Importance to the pub
lie health of the country. No matter
how large a percentage of deaths may
be caused still by tuberculosis, the fact
that 1t Is known to be falling is virtual
proof that the fight is being won
1t will not require much longer to bring
the disease under restraint. Some begis-
lation is necessary to insure the proper
treatment Of tuberculosis cases. There
may be need in some localities of laws
for the segregation Of sufferers under
certain circumstances. perhaps with state
aid for the support of those dependent
upon them, and with searching scrutiny
of living conditions to lessen the danger
of exposing the well to the unhealthful
influence of the sick. Funds are to be
raised in every community for insuring
open-air treatment In cases where there
is the possibility of cure in the early
stages OF the disease. Above all. the
work OF education must proceed unre-
mittingly to bring each person, young
and old. to realize the urgent need of
care in the explicit obedience of certain
sanitary laws. and to carry knowledge of
the true nature of the disease to every
body.
There need be no sense of discourage
ment because tuberculosis still prevails
and takes many thousands of lives an
nually 50 long as there Is assurance of a
gain and plain evidence that the i'm
provement is due not merely to corrective
measures adopted by public authorities,
but to a clearer understanding of the
contagious character and the preventa-
bility Of this ailment on the part of the
people.