PREVENTION OF SMALLPOX 



425 



the contents of the pustules. If the disease is severe, the eyes, 

 ears, and kidneys may be irreparably damaged. Recovery from 

 one attack of smallpox usually leaves the individual immune to 

 all subsequent attacks. 



Spread. Smallpox is very communicable, that is, it is readily 

 spread by contact. The smallpox virus may enter the body 

 through the respiratory system, or through the digestive system. 

 It is carried by discharges from the mouth and nose, or by the 

 pus and scabs, which may get in food, or on articles used by 

 patients. 



Prevention of smallpox. Because of the extremely communi- 

 cable nature of smallpox, isolation or quarantine of all patients 

 is essential. Sanitary precautions of all kinds should be taken 

 in handling the patients and all the articles used by them. Ex- 



cases 

 5500 

 5000 

 U-500 



4-000 



5500 

 000 

 500 

 fcOOO 

 1500 



iooo 

 5oo 



I 



Two groups of states have been compared. The chart on the left indicates those states having 

 compulsory vaccination; the one on the right indicates local enforcement of the law. 



tensive education and widespread publicity as to the value of 

 enforcing vaccination are necessary in order to keep the disease in 



WH. FITZ. AD. BIO. 28 



