Perth Amboy evening news., 1920-09-10
HEALTH ADVICE


Would IT be possible for q wo-
man to carry typhoid fever germs
in her system eight years after re-
covering from typhoid, and COM
municate typhoid fever to people
who buy milk from her after eight
years? I am asking because my
neighbor, who is scrupulously clean,
has been selling me milk for over
a year. The milk is rich and seems
Ali right. Recently two of her
patrons had typhoid fever. in fact,
have it now. d.
where these patients were getting
their milk, and Immediately invest
igated my neighbor, and upon learn
ing that she had had typhoid eight
wears ago, forbade her selling any
more milk until they could make
suitable tests.
THE woman accepts the health
boards decree in good faith. because
she saws she does not want to en-
danger her own family, but I do not
believe this is the source of contagion,
and would like to know for my own
information. 1t seems far-fetched to
me.
The Answer:
In replv TO your inquiry, you are
advised that 1t is not only possible,
Int quite common for patients who
have recovered from typhoid fever
to continue the carrying of the
/ germs of typhoid fever in their
system.
1 have personally known OF an
instance in which a dairy farmer
continued to harbor typhoid bacteria
in his system four years after hav-
ing recovered from typhoid fever.
During that time, he had unwtttingly
been the cause OF repeated typhoid
infections in the village where he
sold milk.
Nv attention was directed to him
through an outbreak of typhoid fever
in New York City, embracing several
hundred cases of typhoid fever
among users of a particular supply
of raw milk.
stood. and those who hArbor typhoid
baciIli long after convalescing from
the disease, are spoken of as typhoid
bacillus carriers" There is an ex-
tensive literature on this subject, and
YOU may be able to find some refer
ence to this subject in your local Ii
brary.
The Question:
NV father has been troubled for
several years with ulcers on the leg.
They heal for a short time, and then
break open. Sometimes they do not
swell for a month. Can you tell me
what to do?
The Answer:
It is not possible to say definite
ly what is the trouble with your
fathers legs. Your description is
very descriptive of varicose ulcers,
a condition which is very common
in persons of advanced years. The
treatment Of varicose ulcers, while
not particularly difficult, Is some
times a very tedious affair. Rest
in bed, in which the horizontal po-
sition of the legs helps the circula-
ton, Is often of great value. 1t is
suggested that you discuss the matter
frankly with your family physician,
land. IL necessary have him refer you
TO some specialist for consultation.
The Question:
What can be done for nearsighted-
ness? Can o give me the name
of some medicine to make the pupils
smaller?
The Answer:
The only remedy for nearsighted-
ness consists in the wearing OF
glasses. While there are remedies
which decrease the size of the pupil
of the eye, they should be used only
when prescribed by a physician. 1t
is very dangerous to tamper with
medicines which change the size OF
the pupil. BY all means ask your
physician to give you the name of
a reputable eye specialist whom you
NAV consult.