LUTZ, Rosella

LUTZ

Posted By: Nettie Mae (email)
Date: 12/27/2023 at 22:39:41

(Infantile Paralysis is also known as Polio)
Source: Page 3, Clinton Advertiser, Clinton Iowa, July 24, 1918
PARALYSIS IS REPORTED HERE; ROSELLA LUTZ IS THE PATIENT
The first case of infantile paralysis was reported in Clinton this morning, the patient being Rosella Lutz, the 2-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. Lutz, 141 North Sixth street, Clinton. The disease has manifested itself in mild form, and so far at least no paralysis has set in.
Dr. H. R. Sugg, the city health officer, has been on the lookout for the appearance of the disease in Clinton for some time, owing to the violent epidemic now raging in Dubuque and in other places in the state of Iowa. The sanitary inspector, H. C. Oakes, co-operating with the health officer, has been endeavoring to get the city thoroughly cleaned up and all sections kept in a sanitary condition as one means of preventing an epidemic of the disease.
Dr. Sugg has on hand some of the Rosenow serum, developed by Dr. Rosenow of the Mayo foundation, who has been specializing in the study of the disease and means of combatting it. The serum was used in the case of the little Lutz girl and satisfactory results are expected.
He has issued a statement, printed below, for the guidance of the public in co-operating to prevent a possible epidemic. The fact that the method of communicating the disease has not been definitely determined makes it all the more important that intelligent co-operation may be exercised by all residents of the city.
The present case is the first that has been found in Clinton since 1912, when there were seven cases in the city.
A close watch will be kept by the city health department, and the public is asked to report promptly all cases including any that may be suspected of involving the dread disease.
Health Officer's Bulletin:
The bulletin issued by Dr. Sugg this morning, is as follows
The cause of the disease and manner of transmission has not been definitely decided. We are fighting an unseen and unknow foe, and all possible precautions must be taken.
If an epidemic follows this case, other cases will appear rapidly. One case in a community is not unusual, but inasmuch as the disease has been epidemic in Dubuque and Davenport, every precaution will be taken in Clinton.
There is no cause for great alarm but the public must co-operate in order to get results.
If children have bad teeth or diseased tonsils, have them taken care of at once.
Gargle the throat and wash the mouth night and morning with an alkaline mouth wash. To make such a wash, dissolve a teaspoonful of salt or baking soda in a glass of water.
Do not let the children eat raw fruit or vegetables. All foods should be cooked. Heat will tend to destroy the germ of the disease.
The bowels and digestive system should be well taken care of.
Children should not be allowed to congregate in homes or in public places. The should not be taken visiting or receiving visitors. Keep children off trains and at home.
Clean up premises. Keep dust down as much as possible by using the garden hose on the street and around the house.
See to it that all manure piles are removed. Notify the sanitary inspector, Mr. Oakes, 1397M, Bell phone, of any manure pile in your vicinity.
Keep houses well screened.

Source: Page 7, Clinton Advertiser, Clinton Iowa, July 25, 1918
PROMPTNESS IS BEST IN FIGHTING PARALYSIS
The only method now known to medical science to combat infantile paralysis, is an early and accurate diagnosis.
A Clinton physician today called attention to this most important factor, and the importance of parents who have children showing any signs of ailment taking immediate steps to get a proper diagnosis of the trouble. If the trouble should then be found to be the disease commonly known as infantile paralysis, the serum may be administered in time to prevent paralysis from setting in.
In the case of Rosella Lutz, the 2 year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. Lutz, 141 North Sixth street, Clinton, who was taken ill with the ailment a few days ago, this procedure was followed. The spinal fluid was examined, a spinal culture being taken at the clinical laboratory at Agatha hospital by Dr. Sturdivant, who is in charge.
This culture established the ailment to be infantile paralysis, and some of the serum was at once secured, being kindly furnished by Dr. H. A. White, who has a supply on hand, and it was used. So far no paralysis has set in and it is believed that the serum was used in time to be completely effective.
Heretofore the medical profession has been fighting the disease largely in the dark, owing to the fact that no means of certain diagnosis has been found. It has been only during the last year or two that sufficient strides have been made in this direction, the examination of the spinal fluid being a positive means of diagnosis.
Once paralysis sets in, it is of course impossible to reconstruct the nerve centers which have been destroyed by the disease, but if prompt diagnosis is made and prompt action taken, paralysis may be prevented in a great many cases, according to more recent experiences.
Advantages of Laboratory
Hence the location of a clinical laboratory in the city is a great aid in fighting the disease as it provides the facilities for getting an early diagnosis.
No More Cases
No further cases of disease have thus far been reported in Clinton.