The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1919-12-04
DIPHTHERIA IN DECEMBER
Measles and Whooping Cough Will Re-
gain Lost Ground and VIII
Mount TO Usual High
Position.

prevalence can now be made with rea-
sonable accuracy, says a eommunica-
ton from the state board of health.
This is the conclusion Of the epidem
iologist Of the state board Of health
who has analysed the data collected
during a period of years. 1t is realized,
Of course, that unexpected and severe
epidemics, such as the influenza out
break Of 1918, can not be foretold. The
extent, however, to which many other
communicable diseases will prevail can
now be forecast with the knowledge
that the information will be reasonably
accurate and equally valuable.
Weather and crop forecasts have be-
come SO generally. accepted as matters
of course that the skill of the men
charged with their preparation, as we'll
as the use Of the complicated data upon
which the conclusions are based, are
seldom counted. Yet these forecasts
are of untold value to the public, en-
abling the people to live more com
fortably, happily, and with greater per-
sonal security. Communicable disease
forecasts, by reason of the protection
afforded against ill health, suffering
and possible death, are likewise des-
tined to achieve justifable popularity,
the board believes.
On the disease prospects for the i'm
mediate future the board says:
"During the winter months certain
communicable diseases become more
prevalent than at other seasons. Small
pox and chickenpox will undoubtedly
prevail to an unusual and unWarranted
extent during December. Smallpox,
which assumed epidemic proportions in
some parts of the state during Novem-
ber promises to continue its ravages
because of the Indifference Of the PEG
pie to that easily procurable and sim
pie preventive-vaccination.
"Diphtheria will flourish to a greater
extent during December than in any
other months except January and April
The mortality during December will be
the highest recorded during any month
of the year. Scarlet fever during De
cember will be exceeded in number Of
cases and deaths only by those occurring
during the first three months Of the
year. The chances of catching
typhoid fever and infantile paralysis
are considerably less during December
than i'll many other months of the year.
Precautions against these affections
should, however, not be relaxed on this
account.
Measles and whooping cough will
regain the foothold lost during the late
fall months and gradually mount to the
usual high position held by them during
the first nine months of the year. The
number of new cases Of tuberculosis re-
ported will be comparatively normal
but the death rate will be higher than
during the previous four months. Pneu-
monia, called by John Bunyah, captain
of the men of death, will begin to
come into its own. After short per-
iod of comparative. quiet pneumonia
will increase markedly during the
month.
"There will probably be no greater
number of cases of influenza during
December than are normally encounter
ed at this season of the year. If the
people will refuse to become panic
stricken and continue to observe the
precautions there is little
reason for expecting repetition of
last year, calamity.
''From this brief statement Of what
may be expected from the communica-
bic diseases during December It is APP
parent that all Of them prevail to
considerable extent, that the menace is
a general one, and that preventive
measures are strongly indicated.
"This entire forecast could be dis
turbed or entirely upset if well known
and tried means Of preventing the
spread of communicable diseases were
vigorously applied. This, however, can
only be brought about by the efforts of
The sick to limit the spread of disease
and the equally active efforts well to
keep from becoming i'll. The personal
precautions required to bring about this
result may be enumerated as follows:
81. Keep away from the infected
sick q Properly dispose Of bodily |
waste. 3. Avoid smallpox by obtain
ing a successful vaccination. 4. Know
whether you are susceptible to diph-
Siberia by the application Of the Schick
sest. 5. Don t use obviously danger
Gus foods, beverages and drugs. 6.
Avoid chilling, excessive fatigue, and /
all kinds of excuses. z. Keep clean.