The Management of Diphtheria.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 1445, 3 September 1885, Page 4

The Management of Diphtheria.

There are many cases m which at first a skilled physician cannot say positively whether it is contgious diphtheria or a simple non specific inflammation with which he has to deal, and this uncertain ly may continue for a considerable time. If Dr Jacobi's views are correct, and he is certainly a very high authority on this subject, diphtheria may exist, especially m the adult', m a chronic form not greatly disturbing the health or at all events, not preventing- the person so affect id from going about and performing his or her usual duties, and yet making the secretions from such person capable of conveying the disease. The precautions to be taken m the management of a well marked case of diphtheria are, or should be, generally 'known ; they have been published as circulars by many health boards, and through the secular and medical press,' and, may be summed up as follows : Isolate, the person m an airy room having the least possible amount of furniture, especially that which is upholstered, aud having no carpet or curtains. Disinfect all excretions and secretions, and espscially those from the throat, nose and mouth, and all articles soiled by them, prompty, while all are yet moist, and thoroughly. Use clean, soft rags for receiving the discharges from the nose and mouth, and burn them as fast as soiled. If other articles are soiled, solutions of chloride of zinc or bichloride of mercury, under instruction of the physician. Be especially careful as regards toys, pencils or other articles which may be given the child for its amusement, of the articles used m giving it food or drink, ami of the remnants of such food or drink. Everything that has touched the patient's j lips, or that has been touched by any- j thing that has touched the patient's lips, is dangerous. When convalescense has set m do not yield too soon to the importunities of the patient to be allowed to see his friends or to go out, nor to your own feelings of weariness or at long-continued confinement. Above all things, do not, under the excuse of giving change of air and scene send him off to some other place to complete his recovery ; you might send ] dynamite about the country with scar- j cely more risk. Do not send the child hack to school m less than six weeks after the attack ; about two weeks after you are satisfied that he is entirely well is a very good rule. If the little life is not strong onough to withstand the attack, and is cut short, do not m your grief forget the danger to other lives which the house and its contents may yet cause. Do not allow sympathizing friends and playmates to enter ; do not have any funeral ceremonies m the house ; treat the sick room and its contents as being dangerously infected. In mild and doubtful cases follow the plan above indicated as nearly as you can, and be sure that all your care and patience will be needed if you wish to obtain security for other members of the family and for friends. — Sanitary Engineer.