New-York tribune., 1918-10-18
Health officials Encour-
aged by Falling OFF of
28O in Day
Tests With Serum
Prove Successful
Authorities Notified of
4,733 New Sufferers i'm
Five Boroughs

The influenza scourge showed signs
4,733 new cases were reported to the
Boand of Health, $50 less than those
recorded Wednesday. This is the first
time since the epidemic began that
mid-week reports have shown falling
off. Health Commissioner Copeland
said he considered it most encourag-
ing sign.
Further encouragement has come
Through favorable results of the first
trials of the influenza serum in con-
tonments about the city. These, DR..
Copeland said yesterday, give every
reason to believe that the preparation
is success. The vaccine, prepared by
Dr. William II. Pank, director Of the
Bureau of Laboratories, ontained only
one bacillus-the germ of the cold
fashioned grippe"
"The fast that immunity to the dis
ease" the report of the laboratories
bureau says, "is produced by the in
fiuenza vaccine, is the strongest pos
sible indication that Pfeiffer's bacillus
the germ of the grippe) is the cause
of the disease. If we can prevent the
initial disease (influenza) we need not
worry about complications (pneu-
monia)."
Vaccine for Everyone
The Health Department announced
that the vaccine would be made avail
able at once to everyone.
Martin Conboy, director of the draft,
yesterday ordered the suspension of
all activities of the city's draft
boards to avert danger of infection
through bringing men together for ex-
animation. Circulating libraries have
also been asked to suspend.
Manhattan reported 1,843 new cases
Of influenza yesterday; Bronx, $50;
Brooklyn. 1891; Queens, 596> and
Richmond, 214. Manhattan leads the
boroughs in deaths, with 144; Bronx,
43; Brooklyn, III; Queens, 21, and
Richmond, II.
In the pneumonia reports, Manhat-
tan showed $40 new cases; Bronx, 50;
Brooklyn, 1874; Queens, 81; Richmond,
S. In deaths from this disease, Man
haitian reported 116; Bronx, 81;
Brooklyn, 1o3; Queens, Ia. and Rich
mond, 3. The pneumonia fatalities in
the city were 20 below Wednesdays
figures, while the new cases showed
an increase of 61.
BY action of the Board of Health
yesterday, refusal to furnish heat in
a home or place of business by
landlord is declared misdemeanor,
punishable by a fine of $3.50 or six
months imprisonment.
DR.. Copeland has appeared to child
less people of means in this city to
take into their homes for few weeks
the children of mothers and fathers
who have been stricken by the cpl
demic. The children are not infected
and their private entertainment would
relieve the strain on the Health De-
partment. The same appeal is made to
those who are willing to entertain con-
valescent soldiers and sailors who are
not yet able to return to ship or bar
racks.
The Health Commissioner has issued
an order directed at the Brooklyn
Rapid Transit Company to obey the
emergency regulations of the Health
Department. This company has been
mentioned in many complaints.
\ First Aid Treatment
y Persons stricken with influenza,
physicians say, should treat them
selves, pending the arrival of physi-
cans, first with a dose of castor oil
or salts. The sufferer must be rea-
sonaby, but not too warmly, covered
and the SICK room must be well VEN
tllated. Plain, simple food, such as
milk, grucls and cereals, should be the
Diet, and alcoholic drinks should be
taboo.
The patient must not leave the bed,
and no medicine should be taken un-
less ordered by doctor. He should
drink plenty of water. After the fever
has disappeared he may leave his bed,
but 1t is not advisable to leave the
house for two or three days there
after
The New York Infrmary FOR Women
and Children, on the lower East Side.
which has been closed for months be-
cause of lack of funds, will be re-
opened to aid the health authorities.
Women physicfass and nurses will con-
tribute their services.
Four hospitals have asked the Ma
tional League for Women's Service for
men helpers in the wards. Those who
desire to help may get further infor-
nation at the league headquarters, 257
Madison Avenue.