Evening star., 1918-07-10
STEPS TO PROTECT
D. c. FROM TYPHOID
Co. Operation Arranged Be-
tween Washington and vir-
qinia Health Officials.
NO ALARM is FELT HERE


the spread Of typhoid fever from Alex
andria to Washington are being taken
by the District health department.
At a conference this afternoon at
the District building between Assist
ant District Health oficer Fowler and
DR.. W. M. Smith of Alexandria. presi-
dent Of the Virginia state board OF
health. cooperative measures were
determined upon for checking up pos
sible development OF typhoid here
through carriers. The Virginia Off
cial will notify DR.. Fowler of any per-
sons living in Alexandria homes
where typhoid has developed and who
work in Washington. "...
II their business in Washington Is in
any way connected with the dispensing
Of food or drink steps will be taken by
the local authorities to minimize the
danger of infection or the possibility
Of carriers developing through their
employment.
Not Alarmed for Capital.
DR.. Fowler said that he was not
alarmed over the situation SO far as
Washington was concerned, and felt that
the protective measures decided upon
are sufficient to safeguard health inter-
ests Of the capital.
Confidence that the Alexandria sit
uation soon will be remedted was eI-
pressed by DR.. Smith. He said that
there are a total Of from forty to fifty
c6ses Of typhoid fever and that the
cause of the epidemic has not been
definitely ascertained. He expressed
the opinion that as the result Of the
general Cleaning up" the city is re-
ceivinE there will soon be a marked
diminution Of typhoid fever. He
authorities fully advised as to the
situation. ......
To Clean Up Alexandria.
Surgeon L. L. Lumsden of the United
States public health service went to
yesterday to prepare to
rid the city Of insanitary conditions.
He will have direct charge of the
work. though it will be under the Of
fcial supervision Of the Virginia state
board Of health.
The public health service surgeon
declared this morning that probably
before tomorrow night causes Of the
forty-eight cases Of typhoid fever In
Alexandria will be known. He has
asked DF. B- A. German. the health
ofiicsr Of that city, to call special
meeting of the Alexandria Medical
Society for $50 o'clock tonight at the
Alexandria Hespital to obtain theiI
views on the situation
Conference Is Held.
Surgeon Lumsden and A. 8. Holway
acting chief engineer Of the Virgins
state health board. yesterday after
noon had a conference with DR.. Cor
man, city health officer. and DR.. J. J.
Garvey. his assistant, and obtained
from them a list Of names Of the per-
sons now suffering from typhoid fever.
The health officials Immediately be-
gan the work OF personally investt-
eating the cases with view to ar
resting as soon as possible a spread
Of the disease.
It was suggested by DR.. Smith that
the campaign, which will be carried
out by the board, will probably result
in. the maintenance Of a full-time
health officer for the city and the in
stallation Of a filtration plant by the
Alexandria Water Company.
Admit Councils Blame.
1t is generally admitted that sum-
cient provision has not been made by
Alexandria city council for the main
tenance of sanitary conditions in that
city. DR.. E. A. GormaK city health
officer. has been unable to give his en-
tire time to the duties which the posi-
tion demands, in view of the low sal
ary paid him. It is pointed out by
those in favor of a full-time health Of
ncer that, to have a man on the job at
all times and to see that the health
laws are enforced. sufficient salary
must be offered.
Tho state board Of health has recon-
mended a filtration plant and, 1t is un-
derstood, will again urge that one be
installed. Before the company can put
in one. however. the state corporation
commission will have to make a decision
on a petition which Is pending before
1t and up for discussion today at Rich
mond. Va In February Of 1915 more
than 500 Alexandria citizens petitioned
the corporation requesting cheaper rates
and better service. A year later the
water company made a request Of the
commission for increased rates. The
matter is still hanging fire, and until
it is settled 1t is thought no action will
be taken by the water company toward
installing q filtration plant