The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1915-09-23
VACCINATION FOR TYPHOID.
Public is Awakening to the Value of
the Preventative.

An enormous increase in the num-
Der of persons seeking anti-typhoid
vaccination is reported by the U. S.
public health service, according to a
Washington special to the Charlotte
Observer. Not alone is this increase
manifested among the benefciaries of
that organization of the government
employees, but the general public is
also awakening to the value of the
inoculation. Reports from physi-
clans throughout the country indi-
cate that many are receiving the pre-
ventative treatment and laboratory
establishments have had a greatly
increased 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 cir
cular stating the localities where the
treatment may be received. 1t is es-
timated that during 1914 over 1907
900 persons throughout the country
were immunized and it is believed
that in 1915 the number will exceed
100000. In four counties in North
Carolina, where the campaigns are
now being conducted, it is estimated
that 10000 people will be immuniz-
ed.
The public is seldom slow. to ac-
cept an innovation Of worth. The
reduction of the case rate in the
army from 536 per 100000, before
the discovery of anti-typhoid vaccine,
to 3, since incubation was made
compulsory, has not passed unno-
ticed. During four months of 1898
there were over 1000 cases of ty-
phoid among 10000 soldiers en-
camped in Florida; in 1911, among
10000 men similarly encamped, there
were but two cases. If such degree
of immunity can be harmlessly con-
ferred upon a body Of men living
under adverse condition and whose
age renders them susceptible, the
conclusion is that protection can just
as easily be afforded ordinary citi-
zens.
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 entire
ly lacking. In assmall percentage of
cases mild systematic reaction, &C
companied by headache and slig ht
rise in temperature occurs, but if the
treatment is given at night. the per-
sons rest is undisturbed and he is
entirely unaware Of the symptoms.
in the majority of instances, how
ever, there is not the slightest incon-
venience. The immunity probably
lasts for, several years, although its
duration is less than that of small
pox, which frequently persists for a
lifetime.
1t is believed that more. wide
spread recognition of the benefits
conferred by anti-typhoid mmuniza-
ton will have an immediate effect
upon the morbidity and mortality
rates for the disease. AS a result of
sanitary measures alone the death
rate from typhoid has been cut in
half during the last Is years; what
has been done in Is years of santa
ton can be accomplished in as many
weeks with incubation. 1t is con-
ceivable, if immunizat;on attains the
general recognition that smallpox
prevention has secured, and there is
no reason why such acceptance
should not be accorded it, that ty-
phoid will be rare disease by 1880.
This means that even many of the
older physicians of today will live
to see the time when the infection
will no longer be common.
One point must be considered in
making such a representation. 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 practiced. Therefore,
even with perfect methods, the en-
tire elimination of the disease is not
to be looked for.