The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-06-26
Report of the Commissioner of Health,
for the month Of May, 1915.

Tor the month OF May, 1915.
The month of May was unusually free
from contagion, compared with preceding
months. Seven or eight cases Of Whoop-
ing Cough, two cases Of Measles, and one
Of Scarlet Fever being ALL
There were five deaths in the City
proper for May There were burial per-
mits issued for one each from Newport
and Waukegan Township, as we'll as one
each from Chicago, and Gary, Indiana.
AS a matter of comparison, [ might
state that the total number Of deaths
in this City for the four months
of this year, ending April 3Oth,
were twenty, while in Chicago for the
same time they were 1868, or an average
Of 1865 per day, while ours would be
just five per month, for the same time,
which figures a fraction over ID per
thousand, while our rate is little over
II per thousand, for the same time.
Many Boards Of Health over the coun-
try are organizing to wage furious cam
paigns this year against mosquitoes and
flies, and while we cannot do much to-
wards DISCRIMINATING the mosquito, every
family in Zion City should prepare to do
everything possible to keep rid Of the fly.
Take one tablespoonful Of carbolic acid to
one gallon Of kerosene, and you have a mix
ture which if sprayed in garbage cans,
manure piles, and sanitary buckets, once
or twice week, will efectually destroy
all larvae Of flies or mosquitoes. Ii we
succeed in destroying all larvae in their
breeding places we will not be bothered
places.
In a former report from this Depart
ment the attention Of this Council was
called to the necessity Of raising all toilet
buildings at the rear Of lots from four to
six inches above the level of the surface.
This change would obviate the trouble the
scavenger men have had when, during the
periods Of thawing and freezing, the trap
doors were often frozen down SO tight it
was impossible to dislodge them without
breaking them. This report was referred
to the proper committee, who O'kd it and
recommended the change be made; but no
further action was taken by this body,
therefore the change could not be ordered
[ would urge further action in this matter.
[ would again ask this honorable body
to order proper drain leading from
Edna Blvd, and 29th Street, East down
the bluff to connect with the drain run
ming under the North Western tracks.
AS soon as the warm days return, this open
drain will become stencil in the nostrils
Of all who pass by as well as a reproach
to the City | would urge this improve
ment be made at the earliest time possible.
Barring a few manure and ash piles in
the alleys, they are in far more satisfac-
tory condition than one year ago. which
speaks well for the campaign Of education
conducted for the past three years.
/ have circulars mailed me giving
description Of plan Of a septic tank with
underground disposal Of the drainage.
This system is recommended by the State
Board Of Health Of Indiana; and seems
reasonable and Inexpensive
The garbage can is also receiving in
creased attention. l have also circulars
on this matter illustrating and describing
plan Of an underground garbage re
ceiver"
would be pleased to take up these two
plans with the Board of Health or the
Committee on Health and County Rela-
lions at most any time.
Respectfully submitted,