Cadavers of infected persons ought to be cremated, but as this is not always practicable, the next best way is to properly wash the surface of the body with a formalin or other disinfecting solution, and then to have the body embalmed, thus disinfecting it internally and externally.
Disinfectors, coming often as they do in contact with infected materials and persons, should know how to disinfect their own persons and clothing. So far as clothing is concerned the rule should be that those handling infected materials have a special uniform[22] which is cleaned and disinfected after the day's work is done. The hands should receive careful attention, as otherwise the disinfector may carry infection to his home. The best method of disinfecting the hands is to thoroughly wash and scrub them for five minutes with green soap, brush, and water, then immerse first for one minute in alcohol, and then in a hot 1:1,000 bichloride solution. The nails should be carefully scrubbed and cleaned.
FOOTNOTES:
[20] Blankets, carpets, and rugs should be frequently hung out on the line in the bright sunlight.—Editor.
[21] Unless books are valuable it is best to burn them. Paper will hold germs for several weeks. Recent experiments show that certain pathogenic bacteria, including the bacilli of diphtheria, will live for twenty-eight days on paper money.—Editor.
[22] Duck, linen, or any washable material will do.—Editor.
CHAPTER XI
Cost of Conveyed Heating Systems[23]
In our variable climate, with its sudden and extreme changes in temperature, the matter of heating and ventilation demands the serious attention of all houseowners and housebuilders.