The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-01-13
SPREAD (F ..PIlAL
hEA|AGIlI, FEARED
State Health Department Warns Pub.
ilc of Serious Condition Which
May Readily Arise.
MANY CARRY THE DISEASE
Two Gases Reported In Richmond.
Two Deaths In Chesterfield Home
FAsiowing Visit OF Camp Lee Sol.
iier 60 HIS Family.

Concerned at recent reports OF cere =
bro-spinal meningitis in the state, and
apprehensive that soldiers from Camp
Lea and elsewhere may unwittingly
spread the infection, the state board
of health yesterday issued public
warning to tho medical profession and
to the public. Following close upon
the heels of the warning came ar
nouncement OF two cases OF the dis
ease in Richmond,
Since the appearance OF spinal men
nights In the cantonments or the
country, the state board Of health has
realized that despite the efforts of the
medical officers of tho army and navy
cases might spread to the civilian
population. One instance OF this,
where the connection seemed very
strong. was reported to the board yes
terday. A soldier OF Chesterfield
county left Camp Lee on furiough for
q brief visit home. Following this
there were three cases OF csrebro-
spinal meningitis In his family, with
two deaths.
This" declares the board, .'is a
specimen Of what we must expect
Communicates .cerehro-spinai nlentn-
sitis. which Is a very serious disea4e.
~ carried by many persons who show
none Of the symptoms and none OF
the III effects OF the rnalady. For one
person who suffers from the disease IN
active form. there are computed to be
nineteen carriers-that Is, persons who
carry the germs but do not suffer
from the disease. 1t follows, of course.
that where a man is exposed to the
disease In cantonment, he may get
the germs In his system, and while
otherwise In good health, may carry
them to susceptible persons.
/ The germs of this disease are in
the secretions Of the nose and mouth
OF the person sick or of the carrier.
and no person can contract the dis
ease unless they get secretion from
such person in their mouth. This may
be easily done by using common
drinking cup, putting into the mouth
pencils. fingers and things soiied with
infected secretions.
IL person does not put the germs
in the mouth they do not get them.
Every person can protect himself.
'sThe quarantine of every case is.
therefore. of the very greatest impor-
lance, In order that new carriers may
not develop. The state board OF
health is receiveing admirable CO.
operation from the medical officers at
Camp Lee and elsewhere. but as the
soldiers who may have been exposed
! in the environments visit their homes
and scatter very widely over the coun-
btry. there is serious danger OF an out
break The board accordingly has
| felt IL necessary to give public warn
| ing and in particular TO call upon
physicians to diagnose, report and
treat promptly every case of cerebro-
spinal meningitis.'
Excellent results are attained by
prompt use of the new serum treat
ment. But the experience of the board
has been that the serum cannot cure
the disease unless 1t Is injected into
the spinal column during the early
stages of the disease. This. In the
Judgment Of the board. renders early
diagnosis imperative.
AS few physicians are ever called
upon to make the puncture necessary
for injecting the serum. the board has
placed at the disposal OF the medical
profession two of its officers. who are
equipped to administer the serum. In
addition. the board has an adequate
supply Of the remedy on hand. which
| 1t can supply upon telegraphic notice
at cost. Health Commissioner Will
liams Is especially anxious that physi-
clans who are not equipped to inject
the serum iif cases occurring In their
practice communicate promptly with
the board. The remedy and q physi-
clan to inject It win be sent promptly,
| II possible where needed