Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-10-15
SURGEON oEkeRl BLUE URGES
HEALTH AUTHORITIES TO
TAKE PRECAUTIONS.
CONDITIONS GENERALLY
SHOWING IMPROVEMENT
Low Death Rate in Iowa Especially
Gratifying 10 Acknowledgement
shortage in Medical and Nursins
Professions Proving Serious Handi.
cap-Avoid Crovds.
Special to Times Republican.

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Special to Times Republican.
Des Moines, Oct. 15.-Fatalitics from
influenza reported to the state board
Of health from over the state are COM
paratively few altho the disease pre-
walls in numerous localities. This low
death rate is especially gratifying to
the health authorities and il proof
that the situation is we'll in hand in
the Communities afflicted.
Conditions also continue to improve
at Camp Dodge. The authorities there
announce that the peak of the
epidemic has passed and It is thought
with a few days more OF good weather
such as is now prevailing the flu will
have run its course.
Nevertheless eternal vigilance Is the
price Of victory over the inroads of
this disease and caution and precau-
ton must befollowed everywhere the
state board OF health declares.
Surgeon General Blue OF the United
States public health service. in a tele-
gram to DR.. G. Fl. Sumner secretary
of the Iowa state board " health sug-
gests the need Of modifying all medi-
cal and nursing resources to combat
the disease. .
II am suggesting to every state
health department that immediate
communication be had with every
locality in the state and definite in
formation obtained as to the number
of physicians and nurses available in
every community and the needs for
additional assistance at this moment
of national need" declares General
Blue.
every locality should endeavor to
organize local available resources and
extend help to other communities in
greater distress.
'Tn view OF the general shortage in
the medical and nursing profession it
is evident that all requests for
assistance can not be met and that
these localities most adversely affected
must be cared for primarily"
Surgeon General Blue further sug-
gests that retired nurses in privase
employ and also intelligent women
willing to render patriotic service be
called on to help out at this time.
In concise statement on the rules
to be followed in combating the Span
ish influenza Dr. G.. II. Sumner. secre-
tary Of the state board of health. says:
Keep Away From Crowds.
1.-THE disease now spreading over
this country is highly catching and
may invade your community and at
tack you and your family unless you
are very careful.
Therefore, keep out Of crowds as
much as possible, cover up each cough
and sneeze.~ Do not spit on the fool
or sidewalk. Shun the common drink
ing cup and the roller towel in pub
lie places. II you feel sick and believe
you have Spanish" influenza so to
bed and send for the doctor. This Is
important.
"Quarantine-The state law does not
permit the quarantning Of cases OF
Spanish influenza but the Iowa state
board OF health and government
authorities advise that all persons
afflicted shall remain at home and at
once to go to bed. This will help keep
away dangerous complications and will
at the same time, keep the patient
from scattering the disease far and
| wide 1t is highly desirable that nc
one be allowed to attend school and
mingle with the public, more than is
| absolutely necessary from a home
where this disease exists. An local
agencies should cooperate with loca,
board Of health in accomplishing the
| above.
"Repsrts- Physicians shall report
and must report all cases OF Spanish
] influenza to the mayor Of the town anc
! the mayor must report daily by posi-
card the number Of cases to DIR. Gull.
ford H. Sumner, secretary. state board
of health capitol building. Des Moines
Iowa.
| "Fumigation Plenty OF air and sun.
| light, soap and water should be uset
| and keep everything clean and SAM
tary. Be careful about sputum. Use
cloths for sputum and burn same.
"Placards-Placards may be used n
thought best in the Judgment OF ths
local board of health. but all people
should co.. operate with the loca
authorities to keep the disease from
| spreading.
| Public funerals. Do not hold pub
Lie funerals. The casketS can not bt
opened except as follows. If soldier IL
shipped home and parents wish Il
| identify before burial. undertaken ma!
open casket and cover face OF deat
body with several thicknesses Of gauzt
saturated with formalin 40 per cent
Then let mother and father and wife
If one. in room for just q short time
Undertaken should have mother ant
father and wife cover their mouths
and noses with gauze, or ,handkerchie
| and they should not be allowed t
| touch body. II casket has glass top
do not remove glass but look thru
same Do not allow persons othe
than parents to be In the ROOM"