The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-09-17
Authorities Take Precautions
To Prevent Spread of Disease.
Outbreak Like That of Last
Winter Is Feared.
FUTILE ISSUES A WARNING
State Physician Says COmmuni-
ties Should Be Cautious.
Little Preparation Has Been
Made for Epidemic.

Influenza has apparently followed
the precedent established last year
and has broken out again in Topeka.
Two cases were reported to the pub
lie health authorities today.
This makes total OF three cases
of influenza that have been reported
already this season. The disease is
being reported earlier this fall than
was the case last year. The first cases
in 1918 were reported September 25.
The two cases reported this MORN
Ing were a Mrs. White. who lives at
1908 West Norris street, and Frank
Fenen, of S29 North Buchanan. Jack
Dowlen. Of 319 jackson street. who
was the first person TO contract the
disease here this fall, has recovered.
Placed Under Quarantine.
The two new cases will be placed
under quarantine at once, says DIR.
Earle G. Brown, city health officer.
Every precaution will be taken to pre-
vent any possibility OF other persons
becoming infected. The health de-
partment intends to make an effort to
get the jump on the disease this year
thru the quarantine system.
| Last year il got a good start and il
was necessary to resort to radical
measures several times to check its
spreading. 1t is hoped that this may
| be avoided during the present season,
should an epidemic develop. by a
| more stringent quarantine.
Warning by Doctor TuttIc.
Kansas is confronted with a strong
possibility of another epidemic of in
fluenza. similar to that of last winter,
which took a toll of 5000 lives in this
state, but. according TO reports reach.
ing the state health department. few
counties are making preparations to
combat the disease.
l TT looks like the same old story Of
waiting until the house burns down to
call out the fire department" was the
view Of the situation given by DR..
Tom ID. Tuttle of the state health de-
Ipartment, who already has started the
annual compilation Of Influenza re-
ports. received by the department.
The increase already is noticeable. :"
said Doctor Tuttle 1T may not look
serious the average layman, but
from the professional standpoint, the
outlook only tends to bear out the pre-
diction that another epidemic is pend
ing"
State without Funds.
The state is without funds to han
die any kind of an epidemic. the last
legislature having refused to grant any
appropriation for maintaining a nurs-
ing staff or for meeting any other
emergency expense attendant to a
| StdteWloe epidemic. so Tor several
months, DIR. s. ]. Crumbine. head of
the department. has endeavored to i'm
press upon the health officers and
| boards of commissioners of the various
counties the urgent needs that plans
be made for local organizations of doc
tors and nursing staffs. to combat an
influenza epidemic. It was pointed
out that counties may raise funds to
be available for such an emergency
and that cities also may do so thru
health appropriations
The plan thoroly considered last
spring for the state TO manufacture an
anti-influenza serum has been dropped.
such serum has not been per-
fected to such an extent as would war
rant the state manufacture of it," said
Doctor Tuttle