The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1916-02-10
PNEUMONIA.
Issued by the United States Public
health Service. For The Readers
of the NEWS.

OF the NEWS.
Ten per cent. of the deaths in
the United States result from
pneumonia. 1t is estimated that
during the past thirty days this
rate has been doubled in some
sections. tuberculosis and heart
disease, each causing one-ninth
of all fatalities, are the only dis
eases which outrank pneumonia
among the legion of the men of
death, but in certain cities pneu-
monia is steadily increasing and
even has surpassed the mortality
from tuberculosis. Seventy per
cent. of all cases occur between
December and May. 1t is dis
tinctly a cold weather infection,
seemingly brought by wintery
blasts, but especially prevalent
during the winter season only
because its victims are rendered
more susceptible at that time by
exposure, debilitating influences
and the presence of predisposing
infections.
Pneumonia principally affects
those at the extremes of life, but
no age is exempt. 1t is invaria-
bly, a germ disease. The predis-
posing and exciting organisms
are so numerous that it would be
futile to attempt their enumera-
ton. Many of them are con-
stanly present in the mouths and
throats of healthy persons and it
is only through the aid which we
unwittingly extend to them that
they are transformed from harm
less organisms to one of mans
most powerful enemies.
The presence of other diseases
is the great predisposing cause of
pneumonia. They prepare the
soil for invasion. Holding first
rank in this category is influenza,
the increased incidence of pneu-
monia at this time being largely
due to the present epidemic of
la grippe. Individuals suffering
from this infection are peculiar
ly susceptible to respiratory COM
plication and should properly OBJ
serve every hygienic rule. In
flammation of the upper air pas
sages, pharyngitis, bronchitis,
and tonsilitis, often predispose
to the development of the dis
ease, particularly among the aged
and infrm. The acute contagi-
Gus diseases of childhood, more
especially measles and whooping
cough, frequently prepare the
way for pneumonia. Anyone
who through neglect or careless
ness permits the spread of these
infections is therefore open to the
severest con d emnation. Ex-
hausting disease of whatever ma
ture, is often sufficient to so re-
duce our resistance that we are
unable to cope with organisms
which should be easily overcome
and hence predisposed to the in
fection.
Debility, either temporary or
chronic. developing from any
cause, increases susceptibility.
Because of this the disease most
often attacks those at the ex-
tremes of life. Among debilita-
ting influences must be mention
ed cold, exposure to penetrating
winds, and the chilling of body
surfaces as result of wetting.
The combination of lack of food
and fatigue proves particularly
disastrous during the winter sea-
son and is a condition to be avoid
ed whenever possible. Bad hous
ing, mental or physical harass-
ment, and overwork are alike the
advance agent of the infection.
Overcrowding, in street cars, and
theatres, and other public places,
is unquestionably in part respon-
sible for the spread of pneumonia
in cities, as far greater opportu-
nifty is thus offered for the dis
semination of the predisposing
diseases through indiscriminate
coughing and other means of
droplet infection, as well as the
directly injurious effects which