Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1918-12-11
Health Commissioner Says
Department Will Not Hest
tate to Replace Quar-
antine If Necessary.

Influenza is again spreading in
Omaha and unless conditions soon
improve it is probable the ban will
be placed in force again. Thirty
two deaths from the disease were
reported for the "a hours ending
Tuesday morning. The highest num-
Der of deaths reported before was
50 in "a hours.
In statement given out Tuesday,
City Health Commissioner Manning
outlines plans for voluntary quar-
antine which he hopes will check
the disease. He adds, however, that
if the people of Omaha are not in
clined to obey the rules as outlined,
his department will not hesitate to
replace the ban.
What Manning Says.
His statement is as follows:
During the past week the inhuen-
"a epidemic has become decidedly
worse. New cases are averaging
about 800 per day. The death rate
has correspondingly increased. On
Tuesday there were 81 deaths from
influenza reported to this office. 1t
seems absolutely necessary that
some measures be instituted to pre-
vent the rapid spread if possible.
I'VE know that the disease is
spread by direct contact with an in
fected individual. Many persons
are having the disease in so mild a
form that they are walking about
the streets and thus furnishing a
source of contagion. 1t is almost
impossible to completely quarantine
against these cases. A limited clos
ing order would be only partially
efficient. 1t is becoming apparent
that the desired result may only be
obtained through individual cooper
alton. To this end the following
measures are strongly recommend
ed by this department:
Physicians Given Cards
II. All physicians will be supplied
with placards and will be required
to tack up in a prominent place on
each residence where there is a
case of influenza. 1t is hoped by
this measure to prevent a large
amount of indiscriminate and I'M
necessary visiting of sick' persons.
50. We strongly advise against all
public gatherings. In conformity
with this request it may be men,
toned that the Red Cross has vol
UNFAIRLY agreed to give up its pag-
cant in connection with its project
ed drive. Also the executive COM
mittee of the Chamber of Com
merce has agreed to postpone all
public events in which it is inter-
esied. The directors of the Omaha
Athletic club have voluntarily
postponed the opening dinner and
dance of their club. We sincerely
hope that other organizations will
cooperate in a like manner.
'This should be regarded as an
individual precautionary measure.
However, it may be stated that if,it
becomes necessary this department
will not hesitate to prevent all
prospective functions.
Schools Remain Open
AT this time it does not seem ad-
visable to close the schools. 1t is
an established fact that a majority
Of the school children will be in
better sanitary surroundings with
closer inspection than would obtain
in their homes. The schools will be
watched very closely and at any
sign of unusual prevalence of discace
will be closed.
I'm order to obtain greater eff
cheney in the management of this
epidemic committee of doctors has
been asked to serve in an advisory
capacity and have kindly consented.
These physicians are DR.. w. o.
Bridges, DR.. H. M. Mechanism,
and DR.. ]. H. Vance"
The executive committee of the
Omaha Chamber of Commerce yes
terday listened to a report from DR..
Manning on the influenza situation
in Omaha and took action that no
public meetings be held under the
auspices of this chamber until such
time as the city health authorities
may determine these voluntary re-
strictions may safely be discon-
iinued.
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