Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 November 1908 — Guard Against Diphtheria. [ARTICLE]

Guard Against Diphtheria.

Diphtheria has become so prevalent over the state that a general epidemic is feared by the State Board of Health, which has just issued a special bulletin concerning the disease, from which we take the following regarding its sanitary features! “Diphtheria is contagious and infectious. Membranous croup is diphtheria of the larynx, is the most serious and fatal form of diphtheria, and requires extraordinary care. “Diphtheria may be acquired by direct exposure of the well to those suffering with the disease, and also through clothing and other articles that have come in contact with the sick. Diphtheria is not confined to children. Adults may and do have it Indeed, It is almost as common among adults as among children, but adults do not so often die from it “One attack of diphtheria does not afford lor protection against subsequent attacks. “Diphtheria poison may remain Inactive in a house for a long time, and, unless destroyed by. disinfectants, may cause a new outbreak at any time. The spread of diphtheria Is favored by fautly ventilation, over crowding, filthy, conditions of habitations and persons, damp cellers and general dampness of houses. “Animals may have diphtheria. Common fowls, cats and cows are liable to the disease. “The origin of the seeds of diphtheria, like the origin of corn and wheat, is unknown; but it is known absolutely that every case of the disease proceeds from a previous case. “Diphtheria Is more common in the cold months, for then there is less fresh air in the houses, and colds and irritated air passages more generally prevail. Persons who have catarrh, or whose health is run down, or who are underfed, are apt to catch diphtheria,**