Serum Treatment.—The serum injections were given even as long as thirty years ago. Intraspinal injection of an immune serum is effective when introduced in the preparalytic stage.
Prophylaxis.—The virus or germ of poliomyelitis is found in the nose, the mouth, and intestinal tract (it is also found in various other parts of the body). As house-flies may carry the virus after crawling over the person suffering from the disease, all insects are a dangerous asset to any household. Disinfection of secreta and excreta should be carried out. The mouth and nose should be disinfected.
Quarantine should be rigidly enforced, and all the necessary precautions taken to prevent the spread of a contagious, infectious disease.
DISINFECTION OF FECES AND URINE.
Disinfect the feces and urine by mixing with each evacuation double its volume of 1 per cent. chlorid of lime solution or double its volume of 5 per cent. carbolic acid solution. Cover the vessel and allow it to stand for from one to two hours before emptying its contents into the closet.
Put all typhoid linens in cans used for that purpose only. Sprinkle with formalin and keep covered until sent to laundry.
N. B.—While performing work in which the hands come in contact with soiled linen and bed-pans, fill finger-nails with soap to keep them clean and to prevent them from acting as carriers of disease.
A WASHING FLUID FOR
SOILED CLOTHES.
| One can of lye, | 10 | cents; |
| Lump of ammonia, | 5 | “ |
| Salts of tartar, | 5 | “ |
Put in a stone jar and set it in the open air. Pour over it 1 gallon of boiling water. Use ½ cupful to a boiler of clothes and add ½ bar of soap. Soak clothes over night in cold water; then place clothes into the boiler and boil for twenty minutes. Plain pieces need very little rubbing. Rinse two or three times in clear water before hanging clothes out to dry.