11/06/1957
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REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING BOARD OF HEALTH
HELD IN OFFICE OF BOARD
NOVEMBER 6, 1957
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Present I Dr. James M. Hall, Jr., Chairman; Mayor James E. L. Wade, Dr. J. C.
Wessell, Dr. James H. Smith, Mr. H. M. Roland and Dr. J. C. Knox.
On motion by Mayor Wade, seconded by Dr. Wessell, the reading of the minutes of
the last meeting was omitted, copies having been mailed to the Board members.
The Health Officer reported that a. letter had been mailed to Mr. Joe Simon regarding
his fluoroscopic shoe fitting machine, and that it was his understanding that he had
discontinued the use of this machine.
There was a general discussion d the Asiatic flu situation. Tpe Health Officer re-
ported that, in his opinion, there was beh,een 5000 and 6000 cases in New Hanover
County. Mr. Roland, stated that the school pricipals had been directed to send
children home from school if they had an elevated temperature. It was reported that
while the incidence of illnesses in the county school system seemed to be leveling off
there has been an upward trend in the adult population. Due to the prevalence of the
Asiatic flu in the county and the fact that it can be fatal, promited the Board to urge
vaccinations and advise persons with colds to consult their private physicians. Chairman
Hall stated that the supply of Asiatic flu vaccine had increased considerably in the
last few weeks and that persons should have no trouble getting the shots from their
physicians. Mayor Wade cormnented that with 5000 to 6000 cases in the county he felt
it had reached the epidemic stage. Dr. Wessell suggested that the Health Officer get
a much information as possible concerning the use of this vaccine.
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Motion was made by Dr. Wessell that the Board go on record as urging the public to
protect themselves by vaccination against Asiatic flu. Motion seconded by Mayor Wade
and carried.
Miss Watling, Nurse Supervisor, reported that there was available in this department
about 600 doses of Polio vaccine that should be used prior to expiration date.
The Health Officer and Miss Watling presented to the Board the proposition by Dr.
James B. Lounsbury, Obstetrician, to move the health department maternity clinic to
James Walker Memorial Hospital. After a lengthy discussion, pro and con, the consensus
of the Board seemed to be that at the present time it would not serve a useful purpose
to make this change. Action was deferred until more concrete information by the
hospital authorities was submitted to this Board. The Board of Health wished further
time to consider this proposition pending a conference with Dr. A. H. Elliot who is
in charge of maternity programs for the State Board of Health. Motion was made by
Mayor Wade, seconded by Dr. Wessell, that Miss Watling be instructed to confer with
the hospital authorities and the State Board of Health to gather additional information
regarding this change. Carried.
The Health Officer reported on certain changes which have been instituted in the V. D.
program due to the U. S. Public Health Service being unable to supply us with a physician
at this time.
The Health Officer informed the Board that through the N. C. State Surplus Property
Agency in Raleigh, the health department had been able to secure a large bull-dozer
to be used where needed in the mosquito and other sanitar~, programs.
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There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Approved IJJ~ t'. if
1957
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