The Elbert County tribune., 1913-05-16

llJI and others concerned with ques-
tions of public health, have made
ceaseless effort to the American people
concerning disease and death travelling in the
tracks of the common houseay, or typhoid fly"
as the United States government does not hesi-
tate to call 1t in its official printed documents.
Little by little the country has become
quainted with the danger, and now entire COM
munities-hamlets, villages. cities alike--are un-
dertaking systematic and complete determination
of the insect The fly has been recognized as
carrier of disease for many generations. and
some authorities, like Jean Dawson, the Cleve-
land biologist, feel satisfied that 1t recog-
nized even in Bible times. But never before has
practically entire great nation awakened to
the absolute necessity OF fighting the fly to the
death; of driving 1t out of existence.
Moreover. it was left for New York patholo-
gist Dr. Ferdinand M. Jenreys of the Polytechnic
Medical school and hospital to formulate reply
to the old question, "Of what is the fy?"
According to DR.. Jeffreys 1t has very important
use in acting as danger signal which cannot
be disregarded with impunity.
wherever you find the fly" he says you also
nnd flth. And where you find filth you find dis
ease"
Not merely typhoid, but other highly danger
intestinal diseases now known to be
spread by flies. and germs of tuberculosis chol-
infantum, spinal meningitis, infantile paraly-
sis, are likewise carried far and wide by the same
little pests State boards of health county com
missions, municipal health departments, private
organizations of men and women in all stations
of life are printing and distributing pamphlets
the subject having lectures delivered before
audiences of children well as of adults, ex-
planning various methods of poisoning trapping
and "swatting" flies. In many cities prizes OF
money have been offered for the largest number
of flies killed in given period. In other cities
and towns prizes offered for the best essays
written by school children to the dangers Of
flies and how to get rid of them
North Dakota has issued two important health
nrtxx hrr11a 1aff h
out the state. one entitled Fly Habits and the
other "a Fly Catechism." In which answered
In simple language questions concerning files
which the youngest child may understand
The United States government. through Its
Farmers Bulletin No. 412 makes out complete
case against what 1t terms "the typhoid or house
fly"
virgnia's state board of health has issued at
least three bulletins and circulars devoted wholly
or In part to the subject.
In addition to quarterly publications, one well
illustrated Iowa issues shorter folders telling
Just how to deal with the fly nuisance
The Chicago board of health, through ia school
of sanitary instruction publishes and distributes
articles and cartoons on the subject, as well as a
concise list of Hints to Householders"
The Ohio state board OF health has also been
busy in the matter and has reprinted large num-
bers of Dr. G. o. Probsts practical paper, THE
Fly Disease Carrier"
Michgan's state board has come out with an
important quarterly document 1.-THE Anti-F1y
Crusade"
Pennsylvania devotes an entire issue of its
large Health Bulletin to essay easily under
stood, which is called THE Common Fly: How
1t Develops Why 1t Must Be Destroyed and
How to Destroy It."
South Carolina Texas. and almost all the other
states in the Union have been doing their utmost
to educate the public concerning the dangers OF
permitting flies to exist But with the exception
Of single four-page circular the state of New
York has done nothing in the matter that has
been pressed SO vigorously by the country gen
orally. This circular is brief document entitled
sThe Filthy Fly" and is issued by the Publicity
and Education Department of the State Board OF
Health
tered over piles of garbage and other Nth flies