The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-06-23

terbury for almost the entire first half of 1886 support the contention of the New England council that there is little danger for out of state visitors coming to the six New Eng land states insofar as communicable diseases are concerned. The council is seeking especially to show the falsity of e nationwide ruTnor that there has been an outbreak of in- fantiie paralysis in this section.
 The council fears that unchecked spread of the rumor would mean that many planning to vacation in New England would change their plans. Public funds of the six New England states are being used to advertise the states as vacation centers.
 Connecticut has had but two cases of infantile paralysis this year, and not one case has been reported since March. This week recalls to Waterbury the threatened outbreak of last fall, when opening of school sessions was delayed until the threat had passed. As 0 consequence the local schools will close this week i1- stead of last week.
 Following is Q letter sent by the New England council:
 Dr. Thomas Parrarl, Surgeon Gen. United States Public Health Service Washington, D. 0.
 Dear pr. Parran:
 The rumor has spread throughout the United States that there is an outbreak of infantile paralysis in the six New England states. This rumor, which went out over the wires, Is seriously affecting vacation travel to the New England area, particularly boys and girls camp enrolment. We have been in com- munication with the departments of public health in each of the six New England states, and they re- port as follows:
 Maine
 Replying for MT. Leadbeater no infantile paralysis in Maine for ten weeks stop total number present year seven stop four of which in first week in January stop In nine- teen thirty two January to June two cases, nineteen thirty three three cases, nineteen thirty four one case, nineteen thirty five i've cases stop not Q single case of typhoid devel- oped because of flood conditions stop total typhoid this year to date for entire state only twenty one stop no reason to believe any additional danger from infantile paralysis in the state of Maine this year.. | pr. George II. Coonlbs.
 New Hampshire
 No infantile paralysis now pres. ent in New Hampshire. One case last March. 1929, eight cases. Next seven years scattered cases were twenty six, seventy, two, seven, fourteen, seven, sixty seven. New Hampshire report for cases best in New England"
 Charles Duncan
 Vermont
 NO cases infantile paralysis in entire state of Vermont since Jan- uary when three cases occurred"
 pr. Q. ?. Dalton.
 Massachusetts "There is nothing unusual regard ing the Massachusetts situation 50 far as endemic poliomyelitis IS con- cerned. March, April, May and June have ell been normal. Approxi- mately no danger to visitors, sum- mer residents, or boys and girls at- tending camp in this state"
 pr. c. W. Anderson.
 Rhode Island
 Current cases of infantile paral- ysis indicate no undue prevalence on basis of records. We do not ex- pect epidemic of infantile paralysis this year in Rhode Island. There Is no reason to fear such epidemic"
 M. L. Grover, Epidemologist.
 Connecticut
 "Connecticut below endemic pol- iomyelitis prevalence for past five years stop one case February one March total two"
 Stanley H. Osborn. We do not possess any data rec gardiny infautile paralysis in other sections, but 1t seems reasonable to conclude that in the light of the facts as stated, the situation in New England can not properly be re- garded as cause for concern, nor unfavorable in comparison with other areas. If the records avail- able to you confirm this conclusion, may we correctly request that you make such public statement as will place the situation correctly before the public, and check the current reports that are so unfair and 50 detrimental to the interests of New England. We feel that 8 word from you, as e national authority, with out interest in any one section, will not only be readily accepted by the national news services, but will also carry vastly more weight with the public than any statement, no mat i ter how authentic, that the New i England states might make on their