CHAPTER LIX 



MICROBE OF THE CHOLERA PLAGUE 



THE microbe that causes this plague is repre- 

 sented in Fig. 97. It belongs in the Spiral Type. 

 The spirals have one, two, or more turns. A fine 

 hairlike terminal appears at one or both ends. 

 They assist in locomotion, like the tail to the fish. 



This being is infinitely small. A thousand mil- 

 lion may occupy the space of a tiny drop of water. 



The intestinal tract is the habitat where this 

 germ works its mischief. Infection takes place by 

 swallowing the germs in food or drink. 



Once in the stomach, its work is sudden, sharp. 

 Unusually rapid is the multiplication, powerful 

 and quick to act is the poison. The germs stay in 

 the tract; the poison takes the blood stream and 

 quickly permeates the entire body. 



In twenty-four hours after infection, the disease 

 is on in full force ; intense diarrhea ; nausea ; vomit- 

 ing; fever; headache; general prostration. 



Like a cyclone comes the disease; it goes as sud- 

 den. Life hangs in the balance. Little can be 

 done to cure. True antitoxine does not yet show 

 up. About half the cases die. Three or four days 

 tell the story. 



History declares the plague ancient. Through 



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