The log cabin Democrat., 1916-07-24
TO PREVENT SPREAD OF BABY PARALYSIS
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Outlines Suggestions for Prevention of Epidemic Which Is Now Rag
 ing in New York City.

aSnlnRtOn, U. C., July Z4.-IO control the present epidemic of in- fantle paralysis, according to a state ment issued by the United States Public Health Service today, the chain of infection between persons harbor- ing germs oI the disease and the well members of the community should be broken. Infantile paralysis is prob- ably caused by very minute organ ism found in the nasal, mouth and bowel discharges of those who have the disease 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 pre- vented from passing from the infect ed to the we'll person, the disease will cease.
 Infantile paralysis is not disease of recent origin. Sporadic or scatter ed cases have occurred throughout the country for many years, but it is only during the last decade that the infec- tion has assumed epidemic propor- tions in the United States. The pres ent epidemic awakened the residents of many communities to the danger of the importation of the disease into their own midst. This danger is real, but if due precautions are exercised it is believed that the epidemic will subside.
 The actual control of the present l lo 1aeA xl state and federal health authorities. These organizations will properly quarantine and care for affected per sons, prescribe sanitary measures and limit as may be necessary the travel of individuals in order to protect neighboring districts from the infec- tion. Individuals and communities, however, can do much toward their own protection.
 Poliomyelitis is probably spread di- rectly or indirectly through the med ium of infective secretions. Account must therefore be taken by communi- ties of every means by which such se- cretions are disseminated. Promis- cuous expectoration should be con- trolled. The common drinking cup affords method for the interchange of material of this nature and should therefore be abolished. Rigid cleanl- ness of glasses and utensils at soda fountains, in saloons and other public places should be enforced. Flies, lroaches and other vermin, by coming in contact with infective secretions, may possibly convey them to our food and thus difectly bring about the de- velopment of disease Therefore elim- mate insects. Street and house dust bear definite relation to the spread of many infections, and it is not un- reasonable to presume that they may be factor in the dissemination of in- fantile paralysis. Maintain strict cleanliness of streets, yards and al- lleys in order to prevent the breeding of insects and other vermin. See that all garbage and waste are properly : cared for and collected at regular and frequent intervals. Guard all food supplies, especially milk and other perishable products. Digestive trou- bles of children arising from the in- digestion of food of questionable quality may lower resistance. Assem- plies of children in infected localities are to be discouraged, if not actually forbidden. While the above measures are in sense general, and applicable to many epidemic diseases, their i'm portance should not be overlooked.
 Individual preventive measures may be thus summarized:
 Summon a physician at once and immediately notify the health officer of the presence of the disease. If the disease is present in the community, medical aid should be sought when ever child is sick, no matter how light the illness; many cases of infan- . tilye paralysis begin with a slight in disposition. Should the illness prove to be infantile paralysis isolate the patient, place competent person in charge, and reduce all communication
 with the sick room to minimum
 Hospital care is preferable, not only for the child, but in order to better safeguard against the spread of the disease. The sick room should be well , ventilated and screened. Nasal and , mouth secretions should be received in cloths, placed in paper bag and burned. The clothing of the child, the Led linen, and the excretions should
 be disinfected in the same manner as : for typhoid fever, that is by boiling, the long continued application of five per cent carbolic acid or other we'll recognized disinfectant. The same is true for dishes and drinking vessels.
 Nurses should exercise the same pre-