Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-07-28

To control the present epidemic of
infantile paralysis, according to a
statement issued by the United States
Public Health Service today, the chain
Of infection between persons harboring
germs of the disease and the well mem
bers of the community should be bro6
en-. Infantle paralysis is probably
caused by 2. very minute organism
found in the nasal mouth and bowel
discharges of those who have the dis
ease or who are carriers Of the germ
without themselves suffering from the
ailment All of the steps in the spread
of the infection are not known but if
this germ can be prevented from pass
ing from the infected to the we'll per-
son, the disease will cease.
! Infantile paralysis is not a disease
of recent origin. Sporadic or scattered
cases have occurred throughout the
country FIR many years, but it is only
1 during the last decade that the infoC-
ton has assumed epidemic proportions
in the United States. The present cpl
demic in New York City, on account Of
its magnitude and virulence has awall
ened the residents of many Communi
! ties to the danger Of the importation
Of the disease into their own midst
This danger is real, but if due precau
tons are exercised it is believed that
the epidemic will subside.
The actual control of the present
epidemic must he left to the city. State
and Federal health authorities. These
organizations will properly quarantine
and care for affected persons, prescribe
sanitary measures and limit as may be
necessary the travel of individuals III
order to protect neighboring districts
| from the infection. individuals ami
communities, however, can do much
toward their own protection.
! Poliomyelitis is probably spread di-
rectly or indirectly, through the medl-
UNI of infective secretions. Account
must therefore be taken by COM
/ munities of every means by which
such secretions are disseminated.
| promiscuous eXpectOration should nH
tcontrolled. The common drinking cup
affords a method for the interchans"
of material of this nature and should
therefore be abolished. Rigid cleanli-
ness OF glasses and utensils at soda
fountains, in saloons and other publ"
3 places Siltui'l w NllA'i 49, A'N''
reaches and other vermin, by comin%
in contact with infective secretions,
may possibly convey them to our food
and thus directly bring about the de-
velopment of disease. Therefore
J eliminate insects. Street and house
dust bear a definite relation to the
spread of many infections and it is not
unreasonable to presume that they
may be factor in the dissemination
| Of infantile paralysis. Maintain. strict
cleanliness of streets, yards and alleys
in order to prevent the breeding Of in
sccts and other Nermin. See that all
garbage and waste are properly cared
! for and collected at regular and fire.
quent intervals Guard all food sup
plies. especially milk and other per
] ishable products Digestive troubles
Of children arising from the ingcstion
of food of questionable quality may
| lower resistance. Assemblies Of chill
dren in infected localities are to be
discoura ged. if not actually forbidden
While the above measures are in
sense general; and applicable to many
epidemic diseases, their Importance
should not be overlooked.
| Individual preventive measures may
be thus summarized:
Summon a physician at once and
Immediately notify the health officer