Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-01-21

Editor Times Republican,:
In the movement for the control Of
tuberculosis there are two chief factors
the Importance OF which are to be con-
sidered seriously by the public II we
expect to continue the favorable results
that are now shown as evidenced from
statistical reports that have been COM
piled from fairly accurate sources.
That these two factors are most direct
ly responsible for the wide spreading
and increased number of cases must
further be borne in mind.
To designate these factors. mention
is made OF the unfortunate but care
less tubercular person in the family
and the one at work among others who
by personal contact transmits the dis
ease to others. There are other and
we'll known channels by which per-
sons become infected with tuberculosis;
as for instance, by milk. But 1t Is a
conceded fact that tuberculosis OF the
lungs spreads more rapidly thru care
/, lessness of personal contact with those
in advanced cases, which so often hap
pen in the home life. This viewpoint
IS borne out in the reports from insti-
tutions and hospitals wherever main
sSllItu LUZ luS VI anu SeAAS ~
consumptives.
In looking over the third biennial
report of the superintendent at Oak
/! dale this state. where supposedly In
cipient cases only are received. find
the above statement borne out. In
his report he states the average daily
attendance at Oakdale to be 50. and
that the average stay OF the patients
at the sanatoriufn was tWenty-one
weeks: and, by the way. this Will give
some idea of the number of persons in
this state who are applying for ad-
nlittance and who are reported to be
suffering from tuberculosis OF the lungs
in its incipient or early stages only.
How many there are who may be al
fected and remain as yet unknown can
! only be conjectured.
! In his report the superintendent
states that approximately s. per cent
{ of the cases admitted at Oakdaie IN
which the source of the infection was
obtained. apparently acquired their
disease from mem hers of their immedi-
ate families. This clearly shows the
Importance of segregation and care OF
the advanced cases. At the time the
Superintendent made his report, jan
! 80. 1912, there has been no provision
made by the state for the care OF al
vanced cases at Oakdale. A further
quotation from his report VIII be en-
Tightening. and as I believe, OF sur
p-isingN nature. wherein ne states. that
over 600 applicants yearly applying ZOE
care and begging TO be admitted couid
not be accepted at all because OF the
advanced condition OF their disease.
This TOO, it must be remembered. "heh
I i, has been widely published thruout
the state by the newspapers and ph!-
sic;ans that the state would receive only
! incipient cases at Oakdale
This should serve TO open the eyes
Of the public to the urgent and CRYING
need for the establishing OF pooiic
hospitals and sanitoria for the care
of these advanced and seemingly nope
less cases.
The last general assembly maze
small provision for the admission Oh
advanced cases al Oakdale When room
is provided. by causing to be appropfl-
atea the sum Of $4,000 FOR the erection
of additional building, which up 70
the present has not been erecteo'