The Shadow of Infantile Paralysis

The following statement was issued recently by Dr. Charles F. Bolduan, director of the bureau of public health education of New York city: 'Infantile paralysis is caused by a very small germ, perhaps the smallest germ known, entering the brain and spinal cord of little children. The germ probably gets in through the nose or mouth. It is important to keep your children away from those who have the disease and also away from the other members of the family in which the case has developed. The reason for this is that the germ is in the nose and throat of the patient and frequently is carried there by others in the household. Every mother should keep her children about her much as a hen looks after her little chicks. It is dangerous to let children attend parties and festivals and to take them into crowds where they may sit alongside of some person who has the germs in his or her nose. Since the germs are so very small and may be present on the hands or the face or soiled handkerchiefs, even when there is no visible dirt, the utmost cleanliness is necessary. See that the hands and the faces of your children are kept absolutely clean. Soap and water, after all, are the enemies of all disease. Clean up your house. Throw away all useless rubbish. Take down the curtains and wash them. Wipe all the woodwork with a damp cloth.'