Manuscript on Malaria by Dr. Alonzo Lashbrook Blalock, M. D., of Madison County, Florida.

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Treatment.

The prevention of malaria completely and finally in a semi-
tropical region like that if the Southern States and along the
river valleys and swamps, is an accomplishment for which we could
hardly hope; yet it behooves every community and every family to
Intelligently plan and devise every means possible to prevent as
far as possible its baneful influence in the physical manhood of
our country. Much can be done in the light of modern science and
research. But surely there must be concerted efforts, well di-
rected and organized, on the part of the State; and thorough in-
struction furnished communities and individuals . With al the
available means in this progressive age, very much could be done,
provided our forces could be properly marshaled and enlisted.
At once it becomes the duty of the general practitioner to ad-
vise and urge every precaution against disease.
Not many years ago the medical profession advised people living
in regions where malaria prevailed to use mosquito netting; now
we should tell them to thoroughly screen their houses - all open-
ings and porches as well - and during sickly season get the family
behind screens for the night time. Then if anyone of the family
became infected, immediately put that individual under the mosquito
net. Thereby they would guard against typhoid conveyed by flies as
well as malaria infected mosquitoes. The State should make screen-
ing of homes, where there are children, compulsory. If the Govern-
XXXXXXXXX ment can compel parents to send to school, why not compel
them to protect children from diseases that dwarf their intellects,
impair their usefulness and increase our mortality rate? The rural
population should secure houses so situated that thorough drainage
is possible and then see that, for at least a quarter of a mile in
circumference around their home, no vegetable matter is allowed to
decay while exposed to the summer sun, but as soon as vegetation

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