New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1915-09-25
PERTINENT FACTS REGARD.
ING PLAGUE,

Plague, because of its epidemi
character and high mortality,
the most feared OF all tranmissibl
diseases. From early times Their
are records of epidemics associat
ed with mortality among mice o
the feld'-gats-evidently tn
plague of ages.
The first outbreak of whic]
there is clear history occurred
in the sixth century. 1t began il
Egypt, whence its spread to Asia
southern and western Europe
lasting in epidemic form about
200 years. During the Middle
Ages plague was pandemic for
centuries. 1t reached maxi.
mum in the fourteenth century
and disappeared from western Eu-
rope about the end Of the seven
tenth. 4
In later times, plague has ex-
listed in India and China. 1t was
in 1894 that the causative bacillus
was discovered in Hong Kong.
Since 1896, in India plague has
caused an enormous number OF
deaths. In 1907 the disease was
widespread throughout the world.
At the two important interna-
tional conferences on plague 1887
and 1909 held respectively in
Venice and Paris, protective quar-
antine and other measures were
agreed to. the agency of the rat
being clearly recognized at the
second of these meetings.
1t is extremely fortunate that
the present type Of plague is mild,
also that the use of serum has
proved effective in eases where
there was early diagnosis The.
mortality is probably the lowest
ever recorded. But these facts
should not give sense of secur-
ity- Though the disease is not
now virulent, it might become so,
and the other forms-septicaemic
and pneumonic-might develop.
Until assured that neither hu
man nor rodent eases exist, there
is need for the utmost effort by
boards of health. municipal au-
thorities and individual citizens
10 establish conditions which will
insure protection.
1t is possible that rodent infec-
ion may have spread to areas
which are vet unknown. and the
history Of plague shows a record
# development of human plague
about two wears from the date of
Infection of rats or squirrels.
The hest protection ;s knowl-
EDGE of dancer. should it exist;
md in so serious matter no COM
nunity can afford to be derelict.
A war on rats and feas means
fight for cleanliness. Rats and
deas thrive in unclean places.
Rats live on refuse and unprotect-
ID foodstuffs: therefore, care in
The disposal of garbage and in the ;
storing Of foods, either in large
'r small quantities cooked or un-
cooked. are of primary import
snce. This is largely in the
lands of the individual-the store
Keeper. the housewife and others
Who sell or handle foods.
No community which estab-
shes proper measures of santa.
ION need fear the invasion Of
hague. The cause of the disease
3 known: therefore; prevention
3 possible, or. in case of intro
uction. control is possible. L
The most essential step toward Y
radication of the rat is the rat
roofing of all buildings. This 1
nay not be practicable in many
'laces without great expense, but ,
beginning can be made by the | T,
'assnig Of an ordinance requiring
II new buildings to meet the re- I
'uirements. This no incorporat- !
d unit shonld fail to put into !
effect. !
It is. deplorable that so many j
re not convinced of the need of