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Health and Beauty 1908 Diphtheria Synonyms — Diphtheritis,
malignant sore throat. Causes — Diphtheria is a germ disease, and the exciting cause is the Klebs-Löffler bacillus, which is found only in the exudate of the membranes It is a highly contagious. disease, and is rapidly communicated from person to person. This disease is steadily on the increase in the large cities. According to Dr. W. G. Thompson, diphtheria is common among certain animals, such as fowls, pigeons, calves, pigs, dogs, and cats. The infection may be carried in the clothes, hair, handkerchiefs, toys, rugs, books, or by coughing into the face of another. The spread of diphtheria is favored by bad hygiene, damp, dark houses, poorly ventilated cellars, poor plumbing, sewer-gas, and a general lowering of the vitality. It is most common during the winter and spring. Children under six are the most susceptible, though it may occur at any age. Many cases of acute sore throat and acute tonsillitis are mistaken for diphtheria, and vice versa. Many cases are unsuspected and infect whole neighborhoods. No child with an acute cold, acute sore throat, or fever should be allowed to remain at school. |