The Daily Alaska empire., 1950-10-17
DR. ALBRIGHT TALKS ON POLIO,
 P.-T.A. MEETING

In an effort, as he put it, to allay fears and give information foi a fuller knowledge about poliomyel- its to strengthen the fight against the disease, Dr. c. Earl Albrecht, Commissioner of the Alaska De- partment of Health talked before crowd which filled the study room of the high school to standing room only, at the meeting of the Parent Teacher Association last night.
 Informative Talk
 The Health Commissioner gave clear and concise talk on the symp- toms, treatment and the cause ana effect of polio which has reached epidemic proportions in Alaska sinct August 25. He particularly stressed the importance of individuals con tinuing in their normal pattern oi community life. He said that child ren should be kept within their re- gular circle of contacts. The Health Department, the Commissioner said, does not require that schools or other public places be closed dur ing an epidemic, it having been proved that usual contacts and routine community life is preferable to the possibility that outside con- tactS may be made when normal living is disrupted.
 Final decision on such action is left to the city health officials.
 Poliomyelitis, Dr. Albrecht point ed out is caused by an invisible virus which attacks the motor nerv, cells that control muscle action. II probably enters through the mouth or nose and exists in the digestive tract of human beings. It is spead by carriers of the virus whom there is no practicable way of iden- tifying and is transmitted by con- tact between a susceptible person and someone harboring the virus, a carrier or others who have con- tacted the disease. The period Of incubation is from seven to IA days
 While there is no known cure oi polio Dr. Albrecht told of the excel lent results that have been realized from symptomatic treatment of the disease.
 Be Alert
 "As a result of the epidemic which has struck Alaska, let us be a little more health conscious and alert" pr. Albrecht declared. He pointed out that th.re are othel diseases such as rheumatic fever, which have disastrous effects on the human body. He said we should keep alert to prevent such diseases by proper observation Of health rules for daily living and by talk ing precautionary measures for the prevention of disease.
 Immediate Aid
 Tn stressing the advisability of organizing an Alaska chapter of the National Foundation for Infantils Paralysis Dr. Albrecht told of the immediate response by the Founda- tion to call for help from AL aska. More respirators were immed- lately sent than were actually need ed he said. Nurses trained in the care of poliomyelitis were sent at once to instruct Alaskan nurses, and other help given to assist in Alaska's fight against the disease.
 Dr. Albrecht's talk was preceded by showing of the film Report to the People, a pictoral story of the early widespread epidemics of polio and the organization of the National Foundation. The film was from the library of the Health De- partment.
 Before the discussion by the Health Commissioner and the film showing, the audience was treated to the enjoyment of hearing Har- ol Salisbury, basso, who sang a group of three songs. He was ac- companied on the piano by Mrs. Ruth Popejoy.
 P.-T.A. Fund Grows
 At the short business meeting of the PIT. Association before the program, President Florence Oakes announced that the P.-T.A. Schol- arship fund is now $1,03O.72. Of this amount $400 has been contrib uted to the Scholarship Memorial Funds.
 The Association approved the plan by the Executive Board to purchase six pictures, copies of masters, to be given as school room awards in Parent-Ieacher meeting attendance contest.
 At the close of the meeting re-