The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1915-09-01
TYPHOID VACCINATION.

An enormous increase IN the num-
Der of persons seeking anti-typhoid
vaccination is reported by the U. S.
Public Health Service. Not alone Is
this increase manifested among the
beneiciaries of that organization and
government employees. but the general
public is also awakening to the value
OF incubation. Reports from physi-
clans throughout the country indicate
that many are receiving the proven
tive treatment and laboratory estab-
lishments have had a greatly in
creased demand for the vaccine. So
great Is the call among employees of
the government that it has been
necessary to issue second edition of
the secretary of the treasury's circu-
lar stating the localities where the
treatment may be received. It is es-
ttmated that during 1914 over 100000
persons throughout the country were
immunized and it is believed that in
1915, the number will exceed 300,0 900.
In four counties of North Carolina,
where campaigns are now being con-
Quoted, 1t is estimated that 10000 peo-
lie will be immunized.
The public is seldom slow to accept
an innovation OF worth The reduc-
ton of the case rate in the army from
$50 per 100000, before the discovery
of anti-typhoid vaccine, to 8, since in
ocnlation was made compulsory, has
not passed unnoticed During four
months of 1898 there were over 1000
cases Of typhoid among 10000 SOL
diers encamped in Florida; in 1911.
among 10000 msn similarly encamped
there were but two cases. II such a
degree OF immunity can be harmless
ly conferred upon body of men liv-
ing under adverse conditions and
whose age renders them susceptible.
the conclusion is that protection can
just as easily be afforded ordinary
citizens.
Anti-typhoid vaccination is quite as
simple as that for smallpox and even
children do not complain. There are
no local effects other than a slight
reddening at the site of the injection.
and sore arms are entirely lacking. In
small percentage of cases, a mild
systematic reaction. accompanied nv
headache and a slight rise in TEN.
perature, occurs. but if the treatment
is given at night, the persons rest is
undisturbed and he is entirely I'M
aware of these symptoms. In the ma.
jority Of instances, however, there is
not the slightest inconvenience. The
immunity probably lasts for several
years. although it's duration is less
than that OF smallpox. which fire.
quently persists for life ime
1t is believed that more widespread
recognition of the benefits conferred
by ant-typhoid immunization Will
have an immediate effect upon the
morbidity and mortality rates for the
disease. AS a result of sanitary meas
ures alone, the death rate from ty-
phoid has been cut in half during the
last fifteen years; what has been
done in fifteen years Of sanitation can
be accomplished in as MANY weeks
with incubation. It is conceivable
| II immunization attains the general
, recognition that smallpox prevention
has secured, and there is no reason
why such acceptance should not he
| accorded it. that typhoid will be a
rare disease by 1880. This means
that even many of the older physi-
clans Of today will live to see the
| time when the infection will no long.
err be common.
One point must be considered in
making such a prognostieation. AS
immunity is conferred the necessity
for immunization becomes less ap-
parent to the general public, and the
method will to a certain extent be
neglected. This IS the situation as
regards smallpox In the country to.
! day. and for this very reason the dis
/ ease will persist until universal i'm.
munization is practiseo. Therefore
even with perfect methods. the entire
elimination of the disease is not to be
looked for.
/