, 1935-03-08
Grounding Aids Spread
Of Meningitis Germs
BY DIR. MORRIS FIsHBEIN
Editor. Journal Of the American Medical Association.
and OF Hygeia. the Health Magazine

Editor. Journal Of the American Medical ASSOCIATION
and OF Hygeia. the Health Magazine
At this season Of year the diseases most particu-
larly prevalent are meningitis. measles. and scarlet
fever.
Gases OF meningitis are now being repoted through
out the country. particularly where people are crowd
cd together in barracks. There have been cases in
Kentucky among workers in government camps.
Gases also have been reported throughout the country
IN barracks III which men on relief are being crowd
cd together.
Since meningitis spreads from person to person. the
crowding Of human beings IN shelter houses under
bad sanitary conditions inevitably sets up trouble
with this disease. The men who come into such
shelters are not usually examined to determine the
presence OF an infection or even or the likelihood
that they may be carrying an infection.
Laboratory tests are necessary to determine the
presence Of carriers who move from place to place,
spreading the disease.
Meningitis is caused BY a germ. This germ may be
carried IN nose and throat BY healthy persons who
spread il to others. During cold weather. the close con-
facts brought about by living indoors and the increas-
ed spreading Of the S~ecretions Of the nose and throat,
due to coughs and colds. step up the meningitis rate.
Meningitis is always more prevalent among the poor
who live IN close quarters and IN conditions Of bad
sanitation.
While infants and children are most likely to catch
the disease. older people catch it especially when they
are run down or when they come together under
wrong conditions.
Meningitis is particularly dangerous because 1t at
tacks the nervous system. resulting in paralysis and
leading not infrequently to death.
Fortunately a serum has been developed which
may be injected into the spine in cases Of meningitis.
and acts specifically against the germs and their poi
sons II Il now recognized that there are several
o~,o.go- ~ r,cr4roftfr apJ rs t,nar If carrsp, are
being developed to meet different varieties Of the
disease.
Health officers and persons in charge Of the shell
tiers in which these cases develop mus avoid over
crowding if possible. There should be sufficient
space between beds To prevent spreading Of germs
from one person to another by ordinary coughing and
sneezing.
It is also exceedingly important that sufficient
warmth be provided in these shelters 70 prevent chill
ing with the associated increased likelihood Of break
ing down resistance to infection.
The citizens Of this country HAYS the right TO con-
duct their business without unconstitutional inter
ference or regulation by government authority
Federal Judge Charles T. Dawson OF Louisville.
whether We like 10 believe II or not, patronage Is
the greatest lubricant Of a political machine.-ChaS
Mellen, Jr. Republican county chairman Of New
York.
The fact OF my putting nail polish on my toes Is
no different 70 me as a dancer than to a choir girl
who puts polish on her finger nals-Ruth st. Den
mis-. famous dancer.
II everyone ate as do those people whose income is
more than $1,000. farmers could use all the. land
Secretary Of Agriculture Henry "A. wallace.
So far AZ / am concerned. I hold the position ! do
al the wish Of my coleagues-Prime Minister RAM
sew cDon Of England.
I think all kidnapers but mine should Imaginary
McElroy Of Kansas City.