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Prevention of Communicable Disease: Leprosy

Leprosy.-Leprosy is a communicable disease of the skin occurring very rarely in the United States, fewer than three hundred cases having been reported. The chief interest in this malady is due to its supposed frequency in Biblical times. An almost insane fear of leprosy has been caused by a general knowledge of what is said about it in the Bible, but its virulence, at least in modern times, is believed to be greatly exaggerated. There are said to be fifty or more lepers engaged in various occupations in the city of London. These are not regarded as dangerous to the public health.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF ANI- MALS man.

There is a small group of contagious diseases of animals which are occasionally contributed to These include, notably, anthrax, glanders and rabies. Anthrax and glanders may be communicated by contact infection, but rabies occurs only from the bite of dogs or other infected animals. A veterinary physician should be promptly sent for in all cases of anthrax, glanders or farcy and his recommendations faithfully observed. Carcasses of animals dead of these diseases should be immediately buried in a grave not less than six feet deep. Eight or ten inches of unslaked lime should be placed in the bottom of the grave and a similar amount spread over the carcass before the earth is filled in.

The site for burial should be distant from any stream or other source of water supply and a strong fence should be erected to enclose it. Stables and all objects with which the dead animal has come in contact should be thoroughly disinfected.

The germs of these diseases and their spores often retain their vitality for many years. Hence too much care cannot be given to the process of disinfection.