The Wilmington morning star., 1944-07-11

RALEIGH, July lU-RIHealtn
officers of eight Southern states
and officials of the U. S. Public
Health Service and the National
F Foundation for Infantile Paralysis
closed a one-day meeting of infan-
tile paralysis here this afternoon
with recommendations which they
offered as the best protection
against the disease ''in the light
of what is known today.
The recommendations, drafted
by the group and presented for
final approval by DR.. Don W. Gu
dakunst of New York, medical d.
rector of the National Foundation
for Infantile Paralysis, stated:
''In the light of what is known
today a few essential recommen-
dations should be stressed.
"Any program limiting the num-
be1 Of contacts of people of sus-
ceptible age groups in areas where
there are outbreaks of infantile pa
ralysis should be encouraged by
every means. In rural areas where
infantile paralysis is present or in
communities adjacent thereto the
opening of schools would definitely
increase the amount of contact be-
tween children, therefore, should
be delayed. However, there is no
point in closing schools and allow
ing children to congregate in
groups elsewhere: at picnics, on
the streets, churches, swimming
pools. theatres, day nurseries,
homes and Fairgrounds.
1.-THE improper disposal of hui
man excreta may be an important
factor in the spread of infantile
paralysis, since the virus which
causes this disease is known to be
present in stools and sewage.
Where approved sewage systems
do not exist, excreta should be
disposed of ony in fly proof privies
or in manner approved by local
or state health authorities.
Increased attention should be
called to the hygiene in the home.
Food should be prepared and
handled in a manner to prevent
contamination by flies, other in
sects and from all other sources
of human excreta. Homes should
be screened against flies, since
in certain instances flies have been
known to carry the virus Of infan-
tile paralysis.
During outbreaks of infantile
paralysis children should be kept
from INDUCING in exercises that
will produce exhaustion or an un-
due amount of fatigue, since this
has been shown in many instances
to be a contributing factor in the
development of a more serious
form of the disease.
Removal of tonsils and adenoids
during an epidemic or during the
infantile paralysis season is contra
indicated and should be discourage
ed in all but exceptional cases.
Medical care early in the course
of the disease is important in as
surfing maximum degree Of re-
covery. Adequate treatment, in
Guiding medical care, nursing and
physical therapy can best be given
in properly equipped hospital. To
assure the best medical care it is
necessary to have correct diagno-
sis established as early as possible.
All who show signs of illness which
is suspected of being infantile pa
ralysis should be kept isolated and
kept at absolute rest until they
can be seen by physician and a
correct diagnosis made. The FAM
lily should in every way cooperate
with the health authorities in car
rying out the rules and regulations
of the state and local health de-
partments in respect to isolation
and quarantine.
''Since as yet there is no vaccine
or serum that will prevent infan-
tile paralysis, full cooperation in
carrying out these recommends
tons offers the best protection for
every one."
OF the eight states represented
only North Carolina, with 255 cases
since June l, reported a number
Of polio victims much greater than
normal. Cases this year reported
by other state officials were: Ken
lucky SO; Mississippi "a, Georgia
9; Virginia 26; Florida 81; South
Carolina Is; and Louisiana SO.
Notice of IA new cases, was re-
ceived by the North Carolina Board