The Palatka news and advertiser., 1916-09-08
Congress Comes To
Rescue of Nations
j. J. j. i j. J. i. i + I. + + + + +
OPENING THE SCHOOLS.

Never before in the history Of the
state has the health of Florida's cit
liens been guarded with greater
watchfulness than during the summer
now drawing to close. The only
possible exceptions have been when
epidemic has actually invaded and
overwhelmed individual communities
and threatened the well being of all
sections.
Never before have the health boards,
state and local, been more alert and
never before have they had so fully
the active and intelligent cooperation
of physicians everywhere. 1t is a
striking tribute of confidence in the
medical profession and in the consti-
tuted health authorities that there has
been no alarm nor undue excitement,
in spite of the fact that the infection
of infantile paralysis from northern
centers has been menace to FLORIDA
III no degree imaginary nor unreal.
So far as is positively known at the
present writing, not single case OF
the disease has entered the state dur
ing the summer. The statement is
made with caution while confirmation
of the diagnosis of a single doubtful
case is being awaited by the State
Board of Health.
In the larger centers of population
in the state the general health of cit
izens appears to be quite up to the
average for the season, and probably
somewhat above the average in many
communities. This is no uncertain
testimony to good conditions, to good
common sense among the people OF
Florida, and an evidence of efficient
sanitation under the direction of able
health authorities. In Jacksonville
not a single case of typhoid fever is
known which had it's origin within the
city, and only few occurrences of
the disease, all of which originated
elsewhere and were brought to the
city.
Such conditions are particularly de-
sirable at this season of the year
which marks the near approach of the
opening of the schools of the state,
urban and rural. Some anxiety has
been expressed in a few communities
as to the entire safety of opening the
schools, particularly as many children
return from vacations in northern
states Just before the beginning Of
the school year.
The State Board of Health, being
in close touch with conditions in ev-
cry part of the state as well as in
constant communication with the
health authorities in northern infect
ed centers and with the United States
Public Health Service, knows Of no
reason for postponing the opening of
the schools beyond the usual date, in
anv city or community of Florida.
While it is probable that the dan
ger of infection of infantile paray~
sis being spread from New York or
other infected points may be 81 ghtly
less than it was month or six weeks
ago, it is still an actual possibility,
But the splendid service rendered ly
the various city health boards in CO.
operation with the State Board, is
still in effect, with its rigor in no
degree diminished. And this will
NOlh DIS SlHClSHIlS loi IllC "SiIbIC VI
the children in term time as in vaca-
ton.
The annual opening of the schools
usually brings some slight increase in
few of the children's diseases, nota-
bly, diptheria, but this condition the
doctors expect, and prepare accord
ingly. 1t is not likely that the pres
ent season will see any marked diff
ference in this respect, but although
this is anticipated, it rarely has been
urged as a reason for not opening the
schools at the customary times.
Florida has the reputation of being
state of abounding healthfulness.
The reputation has been maintained,
even enhanced, during the most try
ing period of 1916. The conditions
of climate and temperature have, as
usual, made living here so wholly
comfortable and pleasurable, that va
cationists to northern resorts may
have in the future to invent some
new excuses for leaving their Flori-
da homes in the good old summer
time.-State Board of Health Bulletin.
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