MICRO-ORGANISMS IN VARIOUS DISEASES. 187 



(f) Disinfection: Must be thorough; bacillus not 



difficult to destroy; disinfect sputum, 

 dejecta, urine, etc., with 5 per cent carbolic, 

 3-5 per cent formalin, 2 per cent tricresol, 

 or boiling water the same as for other 

 non-sporogenous bacteria. Wash body of 

 patient, hands, and objects with i-iooo 

 bichloride of mercury. Fumigate with sul- 

 phur dioxide on account of its destructive 

 action on vermin. 



(g) Prophylaxis: Vermin, particularly rats and mice, 



are susceptible to plague ; indeed, the former 

 are believed to be the principle carriers of it. 

 They infect the ground, dwellings, foods, and 

 water. Therefore, safety lies in the destruc- 

 tion of all vermin in the houses. As dogs 

 and cattle are also susceptible to the disease, 

 they should be carefully protected from 

 exposure. Screen dwelling and rooms; 

 since the ground becomes infected by rats, 

 and infected excreta, and because wounds 

 of the feet and legs are frequent portals of 

 entry for the specific bacillus, the constant 

 wearing of shoes and leggins is a wise 

 prophylactic. 

 The pneumonic form of plague is especially danger- 

 ous to attendants because the bacilli are thrown out 

 in the spray in coughing and sneezing. Eat nothing 



