Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-07-11
Prepared After Conference.

prepared AILSI SOuISIcuCcs
The proclamation was prepared after
conferences between Commissioner
Brownlow and DR.. John L. Norris and
DR.. William c. Fowler of the health de-
partment Thousands of copies will be
printed for immediate distribution
throughout the city. The police have
been instructed to leave a copy at every
house.
DR.. Fowler, who directs the con-
tagious disease service Of the health
department. will go to New YORK
Thursday to attend the conference OF
health officials on the infantile pa
his return will be followed by the pub
lication of other precautionary meas
ures which may be developed by the
conference.
Text of the Proclamation.
The proclamation Of the Commission
ers is as follows:
The Commissioners have noted with
grave interest and anxiety the wide
spread prevalence of infantile paralysis
other cities of the country. While
there are no known cases of this
disease in the District Of Columbia at
the present time, nor does any cause
for alarm exist here. it 10 deemed ad-
visable to issue note Of warning 9nd
advice to the public and with a view
to securing their earnest corporation
in an effort to prevent the spread of
this disease in this District should II
make its appearance here.
monty known as infantile paralysis. is
caused by a germ the true nature OF
which is not yet definitely known. OBJ
have. however, demonstrated
that 1t is discharged In the excretions
from the nose, throat and digestive
tracts of those suffering with 1t. In
vestigation has further shown that per-
sons apparently in good health and or
termed Carriers" harbor the
germ in the nose and throat and are
capable of communicating the infection
to those with whom they come in con-
tact. Persons in good health are not
as likely to be attacked as are those
whose vitality has been lowered by
sickness or unhygienic surroundings.
Children under sixteen years of age are
more frequently attacked; especially is
this true of those under fve years Of
age. Adult persons are. however. not
immune.
Rules to Prevent Disease.
The following rules are. therefore, is
sued for the information and guidance
of the public:
1. Keep yourself and family in as
good physical condition as possible by
avoiding exposure and excesses of all
kinds. Fresh air, good food and rest
are essential to good health.
2. Householders are urged to keep
their premises clean. and as free as
possible of refuse of all kinds.
8. Do not allow garbage or trash of
any kind to accumulate. If there is
delay on the part of the contractor in
removing garbage or refuse from your
premises, notify at once the street
cleaning department.
4. See that all garbage receptacles
are watertight and supplied with tight
covers to keep out flies and other in
sects.
5. Have your house we'll screened
against flies and other insects. Don't
fail to swat the fly wherever and when
ever found.
s. In sweeping the floors alIay the
dust as much as possible by first
or by using a damp cloth to
I: Let all the sunlight and air possi-
BILE enter the house.
s. Prevent as far as possible all
of the home. especially of
the sleeping apartments.
9. Do not permit your child to visit
any other child who is sick. 1t matters
not what the nature of the illness may
be.
10. Do not permit your child to asso-
ciate with any person who has been
exposed to any infectious or contagious
disease.
II. Evidence tends to show that the
virus of infantile paralysis is easily
killed, mild antiseptic gargles. sprays
and nose washes may, therefore, with
be used by those in attend
the na hv ,ho
been exposed to the disease. A solution
of common table salt used in the pro-
portion Of one even teaspoonful to a
pint of water. or two teaspoonsfuls of
of hydrogen to one pint Of
water may be used for the purpose.
Sprinkle Streets Frequently.
-. AS far as possible. keep down the
dust in the street in front of your
premises by sprinkling with water.
13. Do not allow your children to eat
food that is likely to cause intestinal
a. Do not allow your children to play
around stables and other places where
refuse is accumulated and flies are
found in large numbers.
Is. Notify the health department of
the names and addresses of all children
under sixteen years Of age who are
known to have arrived in the District
Of Columbia from the city of New York
within two weeks. SO that they may be
kept under observation.
is. Visits from friends or other per-
sons residing in the city of New York,
asnecially children under sixteen years
IF age, should be discouraged.
II. Notify the health department of
any suspicious case of sickness coming
under your observation.
Careful observance of these rules will
{oI ~fcto 20
and health department in
their efforts to prevent the introduc-
tion and spread of this disease in the
District OF Columbia.