To the Editors of the Crimson:

The presence in Cambridge and vicinity of contagious diseases, and the excellent opportunities afforded by dormitory life, and the mixing in large classes, for the spread of disease, make it specially important for students to act intelligently in the matter.

Few contagious diseases have characteristic beginning symptoms. Hence it is difficult to recognize such diseases the first day or two, and to take proper precautions with reference to them. Many individuals are, therefore, unwittingly exposed, and the spread of disease in this way may be very rapid and extensive.

It is now believed that most contagious diseases are transmitted directly or indirectly by contact with the person infected, his clothing or articles handled by him. The germs of disease are probably not carried to any great extent through the air and such transmission of the disease must be regarded as infrequent. It will thus be seen that door knops, stair railings, horse car railings, door, straps, etc., together with articles of furniture, etc., play an important part in the transmission of disease germs.

The mouth is the main entrance for these diseases. The germs are picked up by the hands from various places of deposit, from infected hands, etc., and carried to the mouth with food. The simple precaution of washing the hands before conveying anything to the mouth is a fairly efficient preventative.

One cannot say at what stage an infected person becomes dangerous to other individuals. It is safe to consider that danger begins at the first sign of illness. The common beginning symptoms of these various diseases are, fever (with or without chills, nausea, vomiting and headache), sor throat, coryza (head cold), and a feeling of depression or weakness. Inasmuch as these are common symptoms in simple colds, etc., it is well to bear in mind that each one of these cases must be considered as potentially scarlet fever, measels, etc., during the epidemics of these diseases, and that students should not expose themselves and their friends by flocking to the rooms of those who have such symptoms. It is better for students to get professional advice and thus avoid the danger of spreading a serious disease, than to trust to luck that these symptoms mean merely a slight cold.

Students who have inadvertently been exposed to contagious disease should wash their hands carefully, preferably in antiseptic solution, thoroughly brush their clothes in the open air and take a walk of several miles, if possible. A thorough bath with complete change of clothing is desirable if the exposure has been extensive. Care should be taken not to touch things which will be touched by others until the person is perfectly clean.

It is important that reports of illness preventing attendance on college studies be made promptly to the office so that precautions may be taken to prevent the spread of disease. The cooperation of students is earnestly desired in this matter.

G. W. FITZ.