Subject: [KYF] NEWS: Check the Spread of Smallpox, 1921, Bell Co.
Sent: Sunday, October 05, 2003 3:32 PM



Submitted by Mary Lou Hudson
  <http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00005.html#0001143>

Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, KY Jan. 13, 1921

Commissioner Rhorer Appeals To People To Help Check Spread Of Smallpox;
Inspectors To Report
   Following communication was received today by The News and every citizen
is urged to read it carefully, as it concerns a matter that is of vital
importance to the health of Middlesboro.

   To the Editor of The News
   Without entering any defense to criticism of the City authorities for
laxity in preserving the health of this community, yet we are constrained to
warn those who are not thoroughly familiar with conditions from uttering
remarks or making public statements which react to the hurt of our town,
especially so when conditions do not warrant such extravagant criticism.
   We have smallpox in Middlesborough (sic), and a search of the records
show that we have always had smallpox in our midst since the foundation of
the town.  However, it must be admitted that it is too prevalent, too
widespread in its activity for the City and all its citizens not to exert
every effort to check its progress.  The city of Middlesborough (sic) has
quarantined and isolated those cases which have been reported to it.  It is
a known fact that the disease so far has been so mild that many cases have
not required the services of a physician, therefore, we are unable to
accurately determine just how many cases we have; nor acquire sufficient
information to undertake adequate precautionary measures.
   Today the County Board of Health has ordered that every person in the
City of Middlesborough (sic), who has not been vaccinated within five years
from this date; or that the vaccination has not immunized such person, to be
vaccinated at once.  All those who have not been vaccinated on or before
January 18th, 1921, will be dealt with accordingly.  Two inspectors will
visit every person during the week of January 17th - 22nd, and report all
persons who cannot show a certificate from his or her physician of
vaccination.  It is agreed by the County Board of Health that this
precautionary measure will check the epidemic, and we ask the co-operation
of everyone in the City to assist in enforcing this order.
   If this order is not rigidly enforced, the State Board of Health has
demanded that quarantine be enforced against the City of Middlesborough
(sic).  We cannot stand that, so help us out.
 Arthur Rhorer, Commissioner.

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