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43
is the result, we have little or no true Typhus Fever.
What we are subject to is Typhoid Fever, which is
essentially connected with bad drainage. Active as
your Sanitary Inspector has been in detecting
imperfect drainage in the Parish, we are always
subject to isolated cases of this disease, and ten
deaths under the head of "Typhus" are due to
Typhoid Fever. As this disease is one thoroughly
under human agency, I requested the Vestry to
allow me to circulate the following directions for its
management when it has broken out.
On the Nature of Typhoid or Drain Feveb, and
the best means of preventing it.
This Fever is called Drain Fever, from its constant association
with bad and imperfect drainage in houses. It is called Gastric
Fever from its chief seat being in the Stomach and Bowels. At
one time it was confounded with Typhus Fever, but differs
from that disease in many respects; hence it is called Typhoid
Fever. It is also called Low Fever, from the great exhaustion
and weakness which attends it. It is a highly contagious Fever.
The means by which this disease may be prevented from
spreading are very simple, and depends upon the fact, that the
poison by which it spreads is almost entirely contained in the
discharges from the bowels. Dr. W. Budd gives the following
excellent directions for preventing the spread of this disease. He
says the discharges from the bowels infect—
1. The air of the sick room.
2. The bed and body linen of the patient.
3. The privy and the cesspool, or the drains proceeding
from them.