The Hawaiian gazette., 1916-04-14
VALUABLE REPORT
ON TYPHUS fever
TO Be CIRCULATED
Army Surgeons and Physicians
Here viii Benefit From War
Department investigation
RESULTS OF STUDIES
q. IN EUROPE ARE GIVEN
American Military Commission
Tells Of Disease and Methods
For Its Elimination

The terrible ravages Of typhus fever
rope, especially of those of Serbia,
caused the war department at Wash
ingtOn to make searching Investigations
into the causes, treatment and effects
of this disease, and the result of these
Investigations has just been published
for the information of the surgeons of
the Medical Corps of the army, and
such other physicians as may be inter
ested in the matter. Circulars contain
ing the conclusions of the American
military investigators have been re-
eeived by the army surgeons stationed
on Oahu and Zee interest is being
shown in the contents by the members
of the United Service Medical Society
1t is understood that the information
will be passed along officially by Col.
Rudolph G. Ebert, Medical Corps, U.
s. A., department surgeon and presi-
dent of the United Service Medical So
ciety, to the Medical Society Of IIa-
wall, for the edifcation of the members
of the latter.
Occurrence Of Disease
Following are the conclusions regard
ing typhus reached by the American
military Investigators, as contained in
the circular in question:
"Typhus or spotted fever was for
merly prevalent among armies in cpl
demic form. 1t has appeared among
armies in several European countries
during the present war there.
cts appearance depends upon the
infection being present in the country
in which an army may be operating.
Epidemics occur with a high mortality
on the Grand Plateau of Mexico.
CIT is, spread through the bite of in
feeted lice, the disease developing in
about five to fifteen days after, usually
nine to twelve. 1t is most frequent in
winter and early spring.
Zone attack apparently protects
from others, a second attack being very
unusual.
"Recent investigation has placed
methods to prevention on a sound
basis.
Virus Exists In Blood
1.-THE virus exists in the circulating
blood during at least all of the period
of fever and probably for thirty-six
mitted by the bite of the body louise,
(Pediculus Vestimenti). The head
louise (Pedicuhs capitis), may also
transmit the disease. This fact ex
plains why the disease prevails in cpl
demic form only in Overcrowded, filthy,
nnhygienic surroundings.
1.-THE prevention of this disease de
ponds upon the eradication of the body
louise, which is largely matter of per
sonal cleanliness: The habits of the
louise make it one of the easiest of all
blood sucking parasites to eradicate.
The destruction of the louise and its
eggs is the first preventive measure.
The hospital or place in which a ease
Of tyPhus is treated should be free
from lice, and to insure this, if an Old
building is used for such purpose, 1t
should be fumigated by burning sui
phur, four and one half pounds to one
thousand cubic feet; the room, being
kept sealed for twelve hours.
Dtsinfection Is Necessary
1.-THE clothing of patients, or Of
those attendants and others bringing
clothing to a hospital, should be dis
infected before permitting the entrance
of such clothing. Boiling the clothes
for several minutes will accomplish
this. Dry heat, however, is more ef
fective. Gasoline is one of the most
convenient and effective agents for
destroying lice and their eggs. Cloth
ing should be immersed for at least
one minute, or can be left exposed to
the VapOr Of gasoline in an inelosed
place for onehalf hour. Kerosene oil
is a most powerful destroyer of lice
1t kills them practically instantane-
Ously. Ii can be used upon the body
la h. Il, l.,
by either spraying it or applying di'
rectly with cloth. Nathalene effects
body lice within ten to twenty M mute
and If placed inside the shirt of within
the blankets or sheets of the bed Is
useful, though not Immediately de
structive of lice.
1.-The hair of those having lice
should be clipped and kerosene applied
1.-The eggs of lice are known as nits
aud can be recognized as very sma 4
hard, little bodies which have beer
stuck to the hairs. Disinfection to b,
effective must destroy these nits al
well as the lice.
'Lice, (Pedieulus capitis), are some
times found in the eye lashes, more US
ually in children.
Eggs Necessary For Spread
1.-THE fact should be kept in min,
that the louise is as necessary for the
spread of typhus as the mosquito il
for malaria. Where lice are pr,s"n
typhus is possible; where typhus is pre-
sent lice will be found.
"Those in the infected area SHOULD
avoid letting their clothing come il
contact with others or coming agains
furniture and bedding. Clothing worI
by those caring for tyPhus patients
or by those exposed, should be change,
and examined for lice. Close attention
should be given to personal cleanliness
and the hair habitually worn short
Except in emergencies, company m
manders and others in authority shout
prevent their men from occupying ma