Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1913-02-14
HOOKWORM CAMPAIGN TO BEGIN.

I will begin an active hookworm campaign in Nox-
ubee county this week and will conduct free dispen-
saries for the treatment of this disease.
1t has been known for a long time that something
was affecting the people of the Southern States,
causing many of them to be sluggish, INDECENT and
drowsy, but thetrue cause Of this trouble was not
discovered until a few years ago. 1t has been def
nitely proven that a large percentage Of the
people Of the South were suffering from the effects
of this malady, and thousands have been examined,
treated and restored to health, happiness and pros
perity already. l will only be in this county a linn
tied time and while here ! am anxious to examine
every man, woman and child.
This disease is due to a small worm about, half an
inch nlength aud about the diameter of a small hair
pin. 1t is dirty dingy white in color and can be
readily seen with the naked eye. ta
The infection is acquired by means of the larva or
small worms entering the body and they may gain
entrance in one of two ways. First, they may enter
by the mouth in drinking water or by eating raw
fruits and vegetables that contain the young worms.
Second, By penetrating the skin of the body, usually
the skin of the feet because the feet come in contact
with the soil more than any other part of the body.
After they pass through the skin they gain entrance
to the blood circulation and are carried around
through the heart and lungs, finally stopping in the
~intestincs, where they attach themselves to the mu.
cous membrane by some small hooks in their mouth.
and penetrate the membrane with a small lancet (also
in the mouth )and live by sucking blood.
A person infected with hookworms is depressed
both mentally and physically and this is brought
about by loss of blood, deficient nourishment and in
festival Inflammation. The blood is often diminished
fifty per cent and this causes diminished nourishment
of all the tissues of the body. The areas penetrated
by the worms to suck blood soon become infamed
and ~congested and this causes indigestion. Poisons
arc absorbed from these infamed parts and the ner.
vous system is depressed as o result.
The symptoms depend largely on the extent of the
infection and the vitality of the person infected.
The most typical cases are seen In children usually
about twelve years OF age. They are usually sallow,
swarthy, pale, often stunted In growth and dull In
school. One Of the most common symptoms is loss
Of vitality and q general rundown system.
These worms do not multiply in the system. They
lay eggs that are passed from the body with the Sc.
~cretions, and are often times deposited on the ground,
where they hatch In u short while into the larvs
worms and these worms can live for an indefinite
time in a favorable soil. The soil is polluted in this
way and that explains why the disease is so easily
spread.
The examination is very simple and is made by
examining a small bit of bowel passage with the mi
croscope. When hookworm eggs are found we know
that the person is infected.
Examination containers can be secured from tn,
dispensaries or from any of the physicians. Remem
Der that the examination and treatment is FREE.
Trusting that l may examine every man, woman
3 and child in the county, l remain
. Yonrs very truly,
{. c. BUCHANAN, M. ID.