The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-07-30
Flu Epid delrlic Expected
State Board of Health Issues
Warning to People

ESCdte DOdTu Cl lkcdAtH 1SSucS
Warning to People
Columbia, July EFF influenza
runs true to form South, Carolina may
expect another invasion of the dis
ease this fall and winter in the opin-
ion of DIR. James A. Hayne. State
officer.
The disease is even now widely
scattered over the State. A few cases
have been reported to the State health
department during practically every
month since last October when it
was raging over the whole State. In
June, 19 cases Of influenza were re-
ported by physicians. It is probable
that there were many cases not re-
ported. DR.. Hayne said yesterday.
''The history Of other epidemics of
influenza is that it continues for two
or three years with Il gradually les
sening virulence each year. dc not
fear an extensive epidemic this fall,
but there will likely be sporadic out
breaks over the State. In order to
keep the disease from spreading, per-
sons who contract Il should avoid
places where they may come in con-
tact with others, and persons who
have not contracted it should keep
strictly away from those affected. Per-
sons i'll with the influenza should re-
member that it is an insidious disease,
and when they become i'll with it they
should go to bed and remain there
five days after the fever has left them
With all the people of the State care
fully conserving their health and TAX
ing no needless risks, hope the dis
ease can be held in check this win
ter
The health department is greatly
interested in the work of the bureau
ed at the last meeting of the general
assembly and which is meeting with
much encouragement from counties
over the State. DIR. Hayne said yes
terday that fine support was being
given the bureau and that many coun-
ties had appropriated money to as
sist in the work. Among these are
Dillon, GreenviIIe. Chester and Edge
field Others have made requests for
information as to what procedure to
follow to get the work started in their
communities.
To cut down the death rate among
children under one year Of age
in South Carolina. mothers must be
given instruction in prenatal care and
must become familiar with methods
of taking care of children after birth.
DR.. Hayne said: "Clean milk is Of
course necessary for healthy babies.
to care for their children until they
are nine months old. Midwives must
he educated and registered and births
nlust also be registered. By register
ing the births. the county health au-
thorities are at once notified OF the
arrival of an infant and the visiting
nurse can give assistance to the moth
er in it's care"
Considerable blindness among chill
dren exists in the state. This can
be prevented and the bureau Of child
hygiene will endeavog- to reduce the,
number of blind children oy givi
the expectant mother information -,
regard to care of new born children.
Statistics, showing the death rate
by. cities Of children under one year
of age have recently been received
by the State health officer. Pasedana,
California. has the lowest rate for
cities of its size, its rate being 27.9 per
1000 Wilmington. \. c., reduced its
death rate among children from 213
to 1S4 in one year. Austin. Texas.
shows a death rate Of 1924 per 1000.
DR.. Hayne has recently received
letter from Surgeon General Rupert
Blue of the public health service. with
regard to the cooperation of federal
State and local authorities. together
with the international health board,
for the control of malaria.
South Carolina is to benefit by the
cooperation. and engineers will be sent
by the United States public health
service to make surveys of towns.
Information will be given regarding
steps necessary for the graduation OF
malaria together with the cost. Of the
work.
The contract for the erection OF the
Palmetto Sanatorium for the treat
ment of negro tubercular patients has
been let to w. B. Summersett. The
building was to have cost, $4,000. but
the lowest bid received was s23,0Oo
1t became necessary to omit some OF
the features of the sanatorium as orig
inally planned. but the shell of the
building will be erected, and later ap-
propriatio or subscriptions will take
care of features omitted.
At the present time there is no
provision made for the treatment Of
negro tuberculars, and the new build
ing will be of great use in preventing
the spread of tuberculosis among
both races.
DR.. Hayne will go to Chicago July
% to attend the meeting of the exc
c,ltiye committee of the State health