Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-11-03
NOT ALARMING,
SAYS HEALTH OFFICEI

The sores usually appear on the arms
and legs, although they have also been
found on the hands, arms and lips.
circular was issued yesterda: by Chief
Health Officer Levy drawing attention
to the prevalence of the skin eruption
and advising parents how to deal with
IL when il appears.
There are more than forty cases OF
diphthcria in the city to-day" said DR..
Levy, last night while this number
Is about so per cent in excess of the
number we usually have at this time of
the year. the situation is not alarm
ing. 1t is the belief of the Health De-
partmeut that good deal Of this diph-
iberia has been spread through the
skin eruptionS. discovered by DIR. Sum
mers, and prompt attention to these
sores Will materially assist us in meet
ing the situation. In establishing the
apparent connection between them and
true diphtheria DIR. Summers has done
a valuable and incidentally 4 labori =
Gus piece OF work"
The Health Department yesterday is
sued the following circular:
For several weeks past, and con-
tinuin2 to the present time, there has
been large amount of skin disease
among the school children. lnvcstiga-
tion of this condition by the Richmond
Health Department has shown that in
large proportion OF cases these skin
sores contain diphtheria bacill.
Is NECESSARY TO STOP
SOURCE OF DANGER
study Of these cases has further
shown that they are decidedly con-
taSious, giving rise not only TO similar
skin trouble in other children who are
exposed. hut also, in a number OF in
stances. these children themselves, or
others who have been in contact with
them, develop diphtheria of the usual
nf he
or nose.
we believe that Il considerable part
OF all cases Of diphtheria in Richmond
ut the present time has been caused by
exposure 10 just the classes of cases
above referred to. 1t is therefore high
~ necessary to stop this source Of
danger. and, as one of the important
measures in this connection, these cases
must not be allowed TO come in con-
tact with other children in tho schools
or elsewhere.
These skin sores are usually diff
ficult TO cure. and you should have
your family physician see your child
When he calls please show him this
circular.
Your child should not only be kept
from school, but should not play with
other children, nor should other chill
dren be allowed TO come into your
home while these sores continue.
itcmeaner, also, that If there are
other children in your own home there
should be as little contact rs possible
between them and this case
If YOU do not see fit TO consult your
physician. as above advised. at least
see that these sores are at all times
kept covered with n clean cloth. Proc
lection should also be provided in con-
nection with whatever treatment is adj
vistd by your physician
III this child mr. any otbar child 8,
your home, las sore throat or nose
or should develop such a condition,
your doctor should be notified at once
This is especially important If the
child develops hoarseness or a croupy
cough These symptoms may mean the
beginning of 1aryngeal diphtheria
uncmbranous Group, which is one OF
the most fata, diseases unless prompt
treatment IS Immediately recured..