The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-22
ASK FUND FOR FLU NAME COURT SOON
DIR. Crumbine Goes Before Leg
isIature for $4,000.
Money Needed to Prepare for
Epidemic-CaseS Mild.

DR.. S. J. Crumbine, secretary of the
state board of health, went before the
ways and means committee of the
house of representatives of the special
session of the legislature this after
noon and pleaded for an appropriation
of $4,000 to be used in fighting what
he termed ''the coming influenza epi-
demic."
The committee promised to dra& up
a bill Immediately to be presented as
an emergency measure to the house
and senate for quick consideration.
The state board of health today
asked the state board of administra-
, ton to establish quarantine at all state
hospitals, order daily medical inspec-
ton in state schools and colleges, and
provide for emergency hospitals in
cities where state schools are located.
Action was taken in view of the
threatening flu epidemic. The latter
request would provide for emergency
hospitals at Manhattan, Lawrence and
several other cities.
At StandstilI in Topeka.
While influenza remains at a stand
still in Topeka today, sixty-one new
! cases were reported in the state. bring
to the state board of health to 100.
Two deaths were reported at Law
renee.
The new cases this morning were
fifty in Lyon county and eleven at
Kansas City, Kan, according to DIR.
S. ]. Crumbine, secretary of the state
board.
The epidemic is taking a big toll in
Kansas City, Mo-, according to word
received by Doctor Crumbine from
at Kansas City, Kan. Like. one of the
things that marked the epidemic last
year, there have been forty deaths in
a Kansas City, Mo-, automobile school,
which was hard hit during the 1918-19
disease wave, according to Gloyne's
report.
1T is a little too early for fatalities
in Kansas" said Doctor Crumbine.
! Pneumonia, which usually follows
the flu, causes the great number of
Kansas SO far has been of mild form.
but the present cases are just the be-
ginning of the epidemic.
I'VE are trying to enforce a rigid
quarantine and strict observance of
sterilization regulations by restau-
rants and other public eating places
thru our travelling, inspectors. we are
communicating with the Red Cross
concerning mobilization of nurses for
possible need in relief work The de-
partment is working on other plans
which will be announced later
Doctor Crumbine said he had wired
/ the surgeon general at Washington for
! information concerning the epidemic
in states adjoining Kansas.
l. The total number of cases in To-
peka stood at six today. one additional
, case having been reported late We'd
nesday afternoon. Three new cases
of pneumonia have been reported dur
| ing the last twenty-four hours, accord
| ing to DR.. Earle G. Brown, city health
officer. The physician attending one
! of these cases said there was possible
presence of the flu germ.
| The Influenza cases in Kansas were
reported to the board of health as
F., follows: Sixty from Nemaha county,
fourteen from Clyde, in Cloud county.
/ fourteen and two deaths in Lawrence,
sixteen in Sumner county and nine
teen in Auburn.
City Prepares to Fight.
! The, Topeka board of health met at
/ the Elks' club today noon to discuss
the possibilities of an influenza eri-
demic here and means of combating g
| it, if it comes. Tt is probable a state
| rnent will be, made to the people thru
a circular letter and thru the press.
telling them how they can cooperate
with the health authorities in keeping
, down the spread of the disease heEe.
Robert D. McGiffert, city health
commissioner. said his department had
a man out today. visiting all the res
. taurants, soda fountains and other
public eating and drinking places and
reminding them of the state regula-
| tions regarding sterilization of uten-
| sils. Strong arm" methods will be
Iused against violators. of these regu-
lations. McGiffert promised.