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MISCELLANEOUS.

14-Bd. of Health.

(209)

MISCELLANEOUS.

HEALTH ORDER No. 15.

Smallpox is spreading throughout the world to an extent not equaled since 1893. There are hundreds of cases in the surrounding States. The disease now exists in eight counties in Indiana, and there are many centers of infection. There are also, very probably, many concealed and unrecognized cases. No county can reasonably expect to remain free from this loathsome disease, as vaccination, our only sure protection, has been sadly neglected for a decade or more. The State Board therefore recommends vaccination and reyaccination. Health Officers shall publish this recommendation to the people and add their own advice to the same effect. Glycerinated lymph only should be used for vaccinating and the operation done in an aseptic manner. No untoward results will follow if this course is taken.

If smallpox appears, isolation, quarantine and vaccination of the afflicted and the exposed shall immediately follow. Guards shall be employed to maintain quarantine, and outside of cities and incorporated towns Township Trustees shall furnish needed supplies. Domiciliary quarantine should not be depended upon in cities and

towns.

By order of the State Board of Health.

DR. H. JAMESON, President.
DR. J. N. HURTY, Secretary.

Indianapolis, February 16, 1899.

CONCERNING THE NEED FOR ONE OR MORE DEPUTIES TO ASSIST THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER, AND ALSO THE NEED OF A STATE LAB

ORATORY OF HYGIENE.

It is almost a daily experience to receive letters from county, city and town officials, also from private citizens, asking help and advice from the State Board of Health. At the present time there are on file over three hundred letters of this kind, and I append a very few to show to the public their character. As there is only one State Health Officer, it is plain if he were to give every moment of his time to travel and personal visits in answer to these pleas, he could not respond to even one-half. When it is remembered that the office work must be done, which in itself is sufficient to occupy the full time of an energetic, capable man, it then becomes doubly plain that the State Board of Health could most profitably and advantageously employ at least two deputy State Health Officers. It is thought practicable and right to employ traveling deputies for coal oil inspection, factory inspection and mine inspection, and surely it would be found most profitable to look after the prevention of disease in the same way, especially as it is shown by the letters that the people surely desire that it be done.

As the State Board of Health has imposed upon it the duty of enforcing the Pure Food and Drug Law, it is obvious ways and means should be given whereby the law's command could be fulfilled.

The first great necessity for this end is a special appropriation, and the second, the establishment of a State laboratory. Without a laboratory it would be impossible to make analyses of suspected adulterated foods and drugs, and only through analysis would it be possible to convict offenders.

These truths have been recognized by all countries and States having food laws to enforce, for such have established laboratories, and through continual inspections, analyses, and prosecutions save the people from much fraud and injury to health. A laboratory is also needed for sanitary work. The pollution of streams should be looked after, sanitary water analyses should be made in the

work of preventing water-borne diseases, diagnostic aid to physicians in determining diphtheria, tuberculosis, influenza, typhoid fever, etc., is very necessary, and is plainly the work of the State, and is being done in other progressive States.

There will be found among the letters herewith given some which testify to the need of a State laboratory, and coming direct from the people as they do, their testimony should emphasize the facts and arguments already given.

Dr. J. N. Hurty, Indianapolis, Ind.:

Linden, Ind., August 20, 1900.

Dear Doctor-Our town at present is in a very unsanitary condition, and not being experienced in the enforcement of sanitary law it is our desire that you visit our town (Linden) in the near future and start us out right. You will please bring a copy of sanitary law with you.

Very respectfully,

W. A. LOFLAND, M. D.,
Health Officer.

Doctor J. N. Hurty:

Cayuga, Ind., November 3, 1900.

Dear Doctor-We are having an epidemic of typhoid fever, and it partakes of hemorrhagic nature. Can the water or milk be analyzed to say definitely where it comes from. If so, what will be the cost for each analysis, as it would require three or four analyses. Please answer immediately.

Yours,

Dr. John N. Hurty, Indianapolis, Ind.:

W. P. DARROCH.

Lima, Ind., November 17, 1900.

My Dear Dr. Hurty-I am somewhat alarmed at the prevalence of scarlet fever in this village. As yet it has not reached the school, but I would appreciate it if you will kindly let me know what precaution I can take to keep it out of a boarding school. Should not strict quarantine be maintained in houses where there are cases? It seems that this is not done. Of course, I can keep the school from going into the village, but it is almost impossible to break off communication with tradesmen and others who come to the school.

Appreciating very much any information you can give me, I am,

Sincerely yours,

J. H. MCKENZIE,

Rector.

J. N. Hurty, M. D., Indianapols, Ind.:

Angola, Ind., December 17, 1900.

Dear Doctor-The Board of Trustees of our town request me to write you in regard to coming to Angola for the purpose of giving a talk on

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