Remedies, Cures and Old Time Practice

Appleton City Journal
10 June 1915

Danger of Typhoid Fever
M.U. Professor Says Recent Floods and Hot Season Make Precautions Necessary

The floods which have recently done so much damage in various parts of Missouri will increase the danger of typhoid fever, which has been quite prevalent in Missouri during the past two years, according to Dr. M.P. Ravenel, professor of bacteriology and preventive medicine at the University of Missouri.
Doctor Ravenel also says that the season when typhoid is prevalent is coming on, and he warns everyone to take precautions against the disease.
“Typhoid fever is always caused by carelessness or negligence in regard to the disposal of sewage from human beings”, said Dr. Ravelel. “It is everywhere a disease for the health authorities to deal with, and prevent by insuring a pure water supply and the proper disposal of the sewage.
“However, we have another safeguard which has given faithful results with typhoid vaccination. This consists of three injections, which are given at intervals of ten days. There is but little discomfort attending the injection and the protection is almost absolute. In the United States army last year, consisting of more than 90,000 men, there was only one case of typhoid in a vaccinated soldier and in our army and navy, consisting of practically 430,000 men, there were only nine cases of typhoid fever in 1913, a result which has not been attained anywhere else in the world. Several of these cases have occurred in recruits who had not yet completed their vaccination. The vaccine is manufactured and standard in the laboratories of the Department of Preventative medicine of the University of Missouri, and is sent free to any registered physician in the state. Directions are sent with each package.