The Control of Typhoid Fever

Mark W. Richardson
1915 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal  
plex one. It is no simple matter to correct the morals of the public, to educate the ignorant and to relieve poverty. Much has been and is being done, however, to diminish the infant mortality and the results of this work are already evident in a decreasing death-rate, especially in our large cities. Much more must be done, nevertheless, than is now being done. To do it means the expenditux-e of much energy and money, especially of money. Typhoid fever is with us because typhoid bacilli get
more » ... our food and drink. Typhoid bacilli get into our food and drink because the stools, urines, or sputum of persons harboring typhoid bacilli are inadequately controlled. Not all pex-sons, however, who ingest the typhoid bacilli contract typhoid fever. They are either naturally immune or have, through typhoid infection or through artificial inoculation, acquired specific immunity. The problem resolves itself, therefore, into two parts : First, a more strict control of typhoid excretions; and, secondly, an increase in the resistance of the community through typhoid inoculation.t yphoid inoculation. The value of this procedure has been demonstrated beyond a doubt through military experience and the results obtained in training schools for nurses. The immunity acquired is not absolute in all cases. It persists for three years and probably longer. The inconvenience suffered by the individual is small. The necessary material is furnished free of charge by the State Department of Health. The practice should become universal because it will be long before typhoid excreta can be eliminated from »our water and food suppplies. control op water supplies.
doi:10.1056/nejm191507291730504 fatcat:woa7jx47pjdf5c5fkljvoypgrm