EPIDEMICS - Putnam

According to reports received here today an epidemic of scarlet fever in a mild form is raging in Russellville and community. A report issued from the office of Dr. DE Reed, Russellville Health Officer says that excitement and undue anxiety has caused the exaggeration of the reports of the situation.  There has been considerable talk of closing the Russellville schools because of the epidemic. Miss Leatha Irwin, teacher in the second grade is quarantined in her room and is suffering from a mild form of the disease.  Many of the pupils in the lower grades of the school are being kept at home because of the disease. Herman Baber, manager of the Russellville theater has closed his business indefinitely because of the malady it was announced today. This week’s issue of the Russellville News carries a notice to that effect signed by Baber. An effort is being made by the health officer to prevent all public gatherings at which the disease might be spread. However, he had issued a statement to the effect that there is no need of closing the schools if all possible precautions are taken.  Reports, which the health officer say are exaggerated, state that there are as many as 60 cases of scarlet fever in Russellville and community.  The report of the officer states that at present there are only eight cases of the disease, all of which are mild forms.