The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-08-07
PLAGUE CLAIMS
 6 MORE VICTIMS
(Continued from Page 1.)


 ing about.
 North Washington avenue has had it's fifth case and an effort is being made to trace the source of infection.
 Richard Boywid of 1159 Howard avenue, who has been under observa- tion as a suspect has been declared suffering merely from worms.
 Dr. J. R. Thompson, the Federal expert who is here trying to trace the source of the epidemic, was expected to leave today for Providence. Opening the public schools of Bridgeport in September Is out of the question because of the recent increase in virulence of the poliomyelitis epidemic in this city, according to pr. Abraham Sophian. Even though the hoped-for cool period at the end of this month arrives and checks the spread of infantile paralysis, 1t will not be advisable to open the schools, the health exrert declares.
 "Infantile paralysis is a disease of hot weather" said Dr. Sophian today, "and I'm a little afraid of this hot spell. feared a great increase in the number of cases yesterday. and the fact that only two positive cases were reported is gratifying.
 Because of the danger in hot weather I have issued today a. list of hot water hints for parents. If they can overcome the effects of the hot period by precautions, much will have been done to prevent spread of poliomyelitis.
 q hope for a cool period in the lat ter part of August. If 1t arrives, the epidemic will die out.
 For safety's sake however. 1t is out of the question to open the schools in September"
 An order was issued this morning hy Dr. Sophian for the closing of the playgrounds. ''It was a question:" he make it worse for them than condi- tons at, the playground. Investiga- ton, however, has made mo conclude that it is better to close the play grounds temporarily"
 Children should be kept of the streets Dr. Sophian said today, espec- ially in this heated period. He point ed out the fact that the child is likely to get depressed. physically, playing. and germs from dust find a weaker subject. Cold. water. too, he said, taken by . child while in this depress- ed condition, makes him a good sub ject for paralysis.
 Tho health board sent a letter to each pastor of the Catholic churches in the city today, recommending of dis continuing congregations of children in the churches, If this is possible. II hope this won't be misconstrued as an attempt to interfere" Dr.Sophian said. 'T really think there is danger in chill dren gathering in the churches, and we want to ask the co-operation of the pastors. am quite sure they will help if 1t is possible"
 The letter says that the health board is trying to prevent an epidemic of infantile paralysis in this city, which transmitted through personal contact as possible the health repartment has taken precautions to prevent the con- sregatfpn of children in theatres. stores, .etc. The health department would appreciate your cooperation in the matter If for the next few weeks the childrerl's masses could be dis continued in this city"
 The health department today sent a new regulation to candy store proprie- tors and candy dealers, reading:
 Hereafter in dispensing of
 candy to purchasers. candy must
 be picked up and transferred to
 the bag or scales either by a clean
 suitable forceps or by a scoop.
 At no time must the candy be
 touched by the hands of the sales
 people.
 BOARD OF HEALTH.
 Score cards similar to those used by Boston, for dairy inspections. have been adopted by the health depart ment here. An efficient check will be possible under the new system.