The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-27
TYPHOID PREVENTABLE DISEASE.

a certain number of typhoid cases in Pensacola,
need not cause any undue alarm, when one real
ICES that, with the figures which are given to
date at Al, the fever in Pensacola is far from
epidemic. With the present population, which
is estimated at about forty thousand, this would
mean but one-tenth of one per cent, or one person
to every thousand in Pensacola,-certainly not
such ratio as to cause grave apprehension.
In regard to the cases of typhoid which might
arise in the army and navy, these have been re-
duced to a minimum, as incubation for typhoid,
which is obligatory in both branches of the SER
vice, has largely eliminated this danger, which
has formerly been serious menace in war times.
Pensacola must realize, however, that at this
time, with the population rapidly increasing,
the most rigid precautions must be taken. While
this city is not in the most sanitary condition,
perhaps neither are conditions such need
cause any panic.
On the other hand, while it is true that the
per centage of cases of typhoid are not relatively
great this is a time when every citizen is under
obligations to himself and to the community to
do his part in placing his premises IN the proper
condition. State and county authorities can do
much in the way Of preventive measures, but
they can not protect the family which refuses to
protect itself.
Each householder, by insuring the cleanliness
of his property by looking after his own
home and in the business section, are all that
they should be, is protecting the community.
The city ordinances should be rigidly enforced.
Inspection should be thorough and far-reaching.
And incubation against typhoid for civilians
well as the men of the army and navy, might
well be used preventative measure
From the investigations that have been made
it does not appear that Pensacola is in any dan.
ger of typhoid epidemic. Such an epidemic in
Pensacola would be costly, in many ways.
Modern methods of sanitation and medical sci
ence have reduced the danger Of typhoid
But, because the day of the fever panic is
past, makes the obligation no less urgent that
each realize his personal obligation in this con-
nection. The danger from the fever is reduced
only If the necessary precautions taken.
There is no preference in the matter 1t be-
hooves each person in the community to do his
part to lessen the danger of fever. Unless these
precautions voluntarily taken, some means
should be arrived at, whereby they may be en-
forced, in order that the public health may be
properly safe-guarded.
Enough good laws have already been enacted
by the Florida Legislature at the suggestion of
previous members of the Board of Health, to
cover all points in question.
There is very strict law requiring that phys
icians report all reportable diseases typhoid be-
ing on the list, and fixing fine fnot less than
five and not more than ten dollars for failure
in each instance.
These ordinances, should be enforced.
The milk ordinances, at present is a good one
covering all necessary points, and if enforced
will insure the city pure milk.
So far, there is ordinance or state law
covering the use of the common drinking CUP
except it affects the railroads There it is in
effect. Such law or a law requiring thorough
sterilization of each glass or cup should be
enacted.
But the main thing is to enforce the present
laws.
The former Board of Health of the state was
force which Incorporated into the statutes of
Florida number of laws designed to safeguard
the public health. When the state lost Joseph
Y. Porter as State Health Officer, it lost man
of national reputation a sanitarian.
If the laws which DR.. Porter and his
colleagues were instrumental in placing upon the
statute books, are enforced, the health of the
state will not be endangered.
TYPHOID IS A PREVENTABLE DISEASE
While conditions are not bad, if not taken in
hand they will most certainly get worse.
Clean up. Don't breed flies and kill those that
do bree. Enforce the city ordinances and ali
other sanitary ordinances. With these precau-
tions and incubation for ALL typhoid fever can
and viii be prevented.