Third: The administration of quinine in full doses to malarial patients to destroy the malarial organisms in the blood.
Fourth: The destruction of mosquitoes by one or more of the methods already described.
These measures, if properly carried out, will greatly restrict the prevalence of the disease, and will prevent the occurrence of new malarial infections.
It must be remembered that when a person is once infected, the organisms may remain in the body for many years, producing from time to time relapses of the fever.
A case of malarial infection in a house (whether the person is actively ill or the infection is latent) in a locality where Anophele mosquitoes are present, is a constant source of danger, not only to the inmates of the house, but to the immediate neighborhood, if proper precautions are not taken. It should be noted in this connection that the mosquitoes may remain in a house through an entire winter and probably infect the inmates in the spring upon the return of the warm weather.
Malarial fever is prevalent in certain boroughs of New York City, and in view of the presence of standing water resulting from the extensive excavations taking place in various parts of these boroughs, is likely to extend, if means are not taken for its prevention.
REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH, NEW YORK CITY, IN AID OF MOSQUITO EXTERMINATION AND THE PREVENTION OF MALARIAL FEVER
(In Force from March 15 to October 15.)
1. No rain-water barrel, cistern, or other receptacle for rain-water, shall be maintained without being tightly screened by netting, or so absolutely covered that no mosquito can enter.
2. No cans, pails, or anything capable of holding water, shall be thrown out or allowed to remain unburied on or about any premises.
3. Every uncovered cesspool or tank shall be kept in such condition that oil may be freely distributed so as to flow over the surface of the water. Covered cess-pools must have perfectly tight covers, and all openings must be screened.
4. No waste or other water shall be thrown out or allowed to stand on or near premises.
Information is requested as to the presence of standing water anywhere, so that the premises may be inspected and the legal remedies against the same be applied.
The prompt coöperation of all persons in the enforcement of the above regulations is earnestly desired, and they are assured that in this way the breeding of mosquitoes on their premises may be prevented.
Mosquitoes are, so far as known, the only means of conveying malaria.