Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1916-08-21
THE TYPHOID WAR.

Americas and Sumter county has
been remarkably free from typhoid
fever this summer, but the real season
of danger is now on us. Every. person
owes it to himself and his city and
county to exercise all precaution.
Albany and Dougherty county have
taken up typhoid vaccination war,
and it is progressing well to the pleas
lure of all people who love health. The
Albany Herald has the following in
teresting editorial on the subject:
Have you been vaccinated for ty,
phoid?
Have you taken advantage of the
opportunity thus to obtain immunity
from this dangerous disease which
is afforded the citizens of Dough-
erty county by the thoughtful fore
sight of its new health commission?
There are many, no doubt, who
have given the subject little
thought. They know by having
read the newspapers that in the
United States army vaccination for
typhoid and smallpox is the very
first step taken to prepare the re-
cruit for service. They know that
In the army this action has prac-
tically wiped out the disease which
ir the Spanish American war wrought
such havoc to American young man
hood. They have read that there is
now less typhoid in Europe than there
has been in 500 years, in spite of the
war conditions, which favor it-all be-
cause of typhoid vaccination.
But they do not realize that
while the sons and brothers are pro-
tected from this disease while in
camp at Macon, or when they later
go to the border, those who stay
at home are also apt to take typhoid.
II it is a good thing for the soldiers,
why is it not good thing for the folks
at home? If they are anxious for their
boy in the army to escape sickness
and possible death from this disease, N
| it not just as true that he is anx.sus
to find his parents and brothers and
sisters alive and we'll when he comes
home again?
Vaccination for typhoid will wipe
out this disease, and also the slow
fever known as para-typhoid IN
Dougherty county, if it is given fair
chance Every person who rejects the
opportunity is taking something from
that chance.
There is nothing compulsory about
the campaign now being waged by the
local health authorities. We can take
the treatment or leave it alone. But,
in justice to ourselves, to our fami-
lies and to our community, we should
give the matter thoughtful considera-
ton. We know of heads of large fam
lilies who are going to have every
member of those families, including
themselves, vaccinated at the first OPP
portunity. They feel that it is duty
they owe to those they love and cher
ish Some will have their own family
physicians administer the treatment,
while others will avail themselves of
the free offer of the county authorities
and have the county health commits
sioner do it.
If you believe in preparedness do
not pass this matter lightly by Do not
neglect the opportunity thoughtlessly
To not decide off-hand against it. II
you reject it at all. so only after care
full consideration. Ask your dictor
about it. There may be reasons in in
dividual cases which may make it in
/ advisable to take the treatment, but
| those who have no such reason should
weigh the matter carefully bafore
making an adverse decision.