Communicable Disease Control – 1944

 Home visits by health authorities numbered 3,027 because of communicable diseases. The visits were to make sure that homes were properly quarantined, that sick family members were receiving proper care, that a family member was taught to care for the sick and non-infected family members were protected. In a 3 month period in 64 cases of diptheria were reported in Minot and 48 carriers were found. Diptheria was an acute, highly contagious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes, formation of a false membrane in the throat that hinders breathing and swallowing, and potentially fatal heart and nerve damage by a bacterial toxin in the blood. It is now rare in developed countries because of immunization. The outbreak of Diptheria stimulated an immunization program. As many as 600 people a day were vaccinated.   Also about 140 cases of Scarlet fever were reported throughout the year.