SANITARY PRIVY. 11 
Hookworm disease—There are in this country at least 2,000,000 
cases of hookworm disease. The parasites, which are about half an 
inch long, attach themselves to the wall of the bowels, which they 
wound, and from which they suck blood. 
The worms lay eggs which are passed in the stools and which 
escape from the body in no other way. If the ground is polluted by 
the human excreta, this disease spreads, but if the excreta are depos- 
ited in a sanitary privy, and properly disposed of, the disease can be 
easily prevented. 
Under favorable conditions, from these eggs, which are too small to 
be seen with the naked eye, hatch out within a few hours tiny worms; 
these worms grow and shed their skin, much like a snake; when about 
one to two weeks old, but still only about one-fortieth of an inch 
long and therefore scarcely visible to the naked eye, they may be 
swallowed, or they may burrow through the skin, especially of bare- 
footed children, and cause that condition known as “ground itch,” 
“ dew itch,” “ dew sores,” “toe itch,” etc. Wherever “ground itch” 
exists, it is proof that somewhere in that locality soil pollution has 
occurred, because there is a privy which is either not properly built, 
or not properly taken care of, or not properly used, or because there 
is no privy at all. - 
From the skin these tiny worms get into the blood and gradually 
make their way to the bowels, where they grow to adult worms, and 
in their turn lay eggs. 
If any member of the family or any person on the farm is pale, 
weak, or sickly, and has had=“ ground itch” within 10 years past, the 
family physician should be consulted as to whether the trouble is 
due to hookworms. In many of the States the State board of health 
will either make or have made a microscopic examination, free of 
charge, to determine the point definitely. 
Although hookworm disease may have serious effects, even result- 
ing in death, it can be easily cured at a slight expense, and it can be ~ 
entirely eradicated if sanitary privies are built and used. 
Cochin-China diarrhea.—This is a disease which is spread very much 
in the same way as hookworm disease. It is very difficult to treat 
successfully, but it can be absolutely prevented by the use of sanitary 
privies. 
Eelworm infection.—The eelworms are about as large as a lead 
pencil, and are found among children. Whenever found they prove 
that there is something wrong with the sanitary conditions. 
Amebic dysentery.—This is a very serious disease. It may cause 
death, but its spread can be prevented by the use of sanitary 
privies. 
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