The Protection of Health 595 



Such a disease carrier, because he is unsuspecting and un- 

 suspected, may be a great menace to public health. A recovered 

 typhoid fever patient may be a carrier, or indeed one who has 

 never had the disease and is immune to it may be a typhoid 

 carrier. Several epidemics have been caused by carriers, 

 who, though never victims of the disease, spread the bacteria 

 broadcast. Where conditions point to such a possibility, a 

 prompt and thorough examination of the blood of the suspected 

 individual should be made, and adequate measures should be 

 taken to protect the public. 



III. 1. Control of germs after leaving the body. A third 

 method of control is to destroy the germs after they leave the 

 body of the patient, or the " incubator " individual. This 

 demands unremitting care on the part of the patient, of those 

 in charge of the patient, of the " carrier," and of any who may 

 be exposed to infection. The germs must be destroyed by 

 disinfecting or destroying all discharges and materials used by 

 the patient. 



The success of this method depends upon the habits and ideals 

 of the persons concerned. It is the habits formed in health, 

 that are directly involved in controlling disease. Careless 

 habits, disregard for the health and comfort of others, as shown 

 by speaking, coughing, or sneezing into their faces, using common 

 drinking cups and towels, and the like, and allowing them to 

 be used by others, make the problem exceedingly difficult. 



This has a wider application than may be recognized at first 

 glance. Careful investigation has made it quite certain that 

 more than half the total number of persons afflicted with com- 

 municable diseases are not confined to bed or to the house. 

 The vast majority of the infected class may go about freely 

 everywhere. Of course there is also the constant presence in 

 public places of those who are in the incipient or the conva- 

 lescent stage of disease, and are dangerous to the public. Little 

 effort or thought seems to be given to protecting the healthy 

 from infection. But the time is probably near at hand when 



