In camps, especially, diarrhea often is contagious and is spread in the same manner as is typhoid fever. It appears that some of the ordinary harmless bacteria in the intestinal canal may assume patho-genic qualities when special conditions arise. Many outbreaks of what was formerly known as 'diarrhea' were in all probability typhoid fever or more frequently some form of dysentery. Outbreaks limited to companies or those subsisting at a general mess arc usually due to ptomaine poisoning.
Fleas. — Fleas are important from a sanitary standpoint, because of their agency in transmitting plague. The insects lay their eggs in the hairs of their hosts, whence they fall freely to the ground. Larvae emerge in from 3 to 5 days and in from 5 to 8 days more metamorphosis is complete. Both the male and female are capable of biting. Over 300 species have been described. As a rule each species prefers certain species of animals as hosts, but often attack others.
Plague is an acute disease, characterized by swelling of the lymphatic glands (bubonic plague), hemorrhages into the skin and mucous membranes, and, in some cases by pneumonia (pneumonic plague). It has a high mortality. The pneumonic form is especially fatal. Plague has caused more deaths than any other epidemic disease except small pox. It is conveyed usually by the rat flea but during the epidemic in San Francisco in 1907, the common ground squirrel or gopher was found to be infected and to be harboring fleas which transmitted it.
<Callout type="important" title="Important">Plague prevention relies on eliminating rats and their food sources. This includes removing garbage, sealing walls with concrete or sheet iron, and using traps.</Callout>
Fleas in cantonments, etc., are destroyed by scattering flake naphthalin on the floors and closing doors and windows for 24 hours.
Protective inoculation against plague has been practised with good results in India and in Manchuria. Lice. — Lice are biting, blood sucking insects, parasitic on man and warm blooded animals. The eggs are usually attached to the hair of the host, or to the garments of men.
Typhus Fever. — Typhus fever is an acute disease characterized by great prostration, severe nervous symptoms and a peculiar skin eruption. The duration of an attack is about two weeks. The death rate varies from 10 to 50 per cent. The organism carrying the disease is present in the blood throughout the febrile period and sometimes for 36 hours after the crisis.
<Callout type="warning" title="Warning">Typhus can be spread by lice, which are found on clothing and bedding. Regularly washing clothes and blankets is crucial.</Callout>
DISEASES SPREAD BY DISCHARGES FROM THE NOSE AND MOUTH The principal affections spread by discharges from the nose and mouth are tuberculosis, pneumonia, cerebro-spinal fever, diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, influenza, mumps and common colds. In all these ailments, man is the chief source of infection.
Tuberculosis, etc. — Tuberculosis is usually a chronic disease. It is caused by the bacillus of that name and is transmitted most commonly by personal contact, either direct or indirect, by droplets of sputum expelled in coughing or sneezing, by flies, water, and food, especially milk.
Pneumonia. — Pneumonia is caused by four varieties of related organisms, some of which are found in the mouth of healthy persons. The variety that causes the highest mortality is rarely found except in cases of disease. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death in the United States Army.
Cerebro-spinal Meningitis. — Cerebro-spinal meningitis may be caused, by a number of parasites — e.g., those of influenza, tuberculosis, and pneumonia, but, the name as commonly employed applies to a disease caused by the diplococcus meningitidis. This organism in time of epidemics is found in the secretions of the mouth and nose of many normal persons.
Diphtheria. — This is an acute disease characterized by patches of false membrane usually in the throat or nose. It is caused by a specific bacillus which may be found in the throats of healthy persons. The disease is spread chiefly by mild cases and convalescents.
Scarlet Fever. — This disease is attended with a skin eruption, which is usually diffuse, but may appear only on the soles of the feet. Sore throat is another common symptom. It is transmitted chiefly by carriers. Contagion takes place through the secretions from the mouth and nose, and not through the desquamating skin.
Measles. — Measles was the second most common cause of death in the U.S. Army in the fiscal year 1915-1916. It is spread only by discharge from the nose and throat. Apparently third parties are not carriers. They become infective before the rash appears for which reason fully adequate preventive measures are in effect impossible.
Influenza. — Grippe is a highly contagious disease usually affecting the upper air passages, but it may manifest itself by symptoms referable to almost any organ. It is one of the most protean of diseases. It occurs in widespread epidemics and attacks a large proportion of the population. The cause of the disease is a bacillus which is disseminated by discharge from the mouth and nose. Carriers are common.
Mumps. — Mumps like measles is contagious before the disease manifests itself, and is disseminated by secretions from the mouth and nose. It is usually spread by direct contact — rarely by indirect contact. A patient may remain infectious for as long as 6 weeks after the symptoms have disappeared.
Key Takeaways
- Fleas are a significant vector for plague and typhus, requiring thorough sanitation measures in camps.
- Regular washing of clothing and blankets is essential to prevent lice and typhus spread.
- Preventing tuberculosis involves avoiding contact with sputum and contaminated food.
Practical Tips
- Implement regular flea control measures such as naphthalin treatments in camp areas.
- Wash clothes and bedding frequently to reduce the risk of lice and typhus transmission.
- Use personal protective equipment like masks when handling potentially infected materials.
Warnings & Risks
- Be cautious with handling dead rats, as they can spread plague through fleas.
- Avoid direct contact with sputum or bodily fluids from infected individuals to prevent tuberculosis.
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces to reduce the risk of spreading diseases like meningitis.
Modern Application
While many of the specific diseases discussed in this chapter are less common today, the principles of disease prevention through sanitation, hygiene, and vector control remain crucial. Modern survival preparedness can benefit from these timeless lessons by ensuring proper sanitation practices, understanding potential vectors, and maintaining a clean environment to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does plague spread in military camps?
Plague is primarily transmitted through rat fleas. When rats die from the disease, fleas seek new hosts, spreading the infection to other rats or humans. Preventing plague involves eliminating rats and their food sources.
Q: What are the main symptoms of typhus fever?
Typhus fever is characterized by severe prostration, nervous symptoms, and a peculiar skin eruption. The disease can be fatal in 10 to 50 percent of cases depending on the severity.
Q: How can one prevent the spread of tuberculosis in a camp setting?
Preventing the spread of tuberculosis involves avoiding contact with sputum, using masks when handling potentially infected materials, and ensuring proper ventilation to reduce airborne transmission.