Monday, March 29, 1965
The Daily Nebraskan
Page 3
Social
In
college-Age Siroyp
By Rich Meier
Jr. Start Writer
Gonorrhea and syphilis are the third and fourth leading
communicable diseases in our country.
According to a pamphlet published by the Public Af
fairs Committee, a nonprofit educational organization,
the nationwide increase of VD, syphilis and gonorrhea,
has been alarming.
There has been a three-fold increase in Infectious
syphilis since 1957. Gonorrhea has also increased over the
past years.
These increases have come at a time when most people
thought VD had been conquered.
More than half of all reported cases of syphilis the
worst venereal disease-occur among teenagers and young
people under 25. Among persons under 20, infectious sy
philis increased 227 percent between 1956 and 1963.
According to Larry Parrish, Federal Public Health
Advisor in the Communicable Disease Control branch of
the State Department of Health, in Nebraska there were
6 cases of reported infectious syphilis in 1958, in 1963 there
were 63. And this is only new, reported cases, and is not
anywhere near the total number of cases.
There are several types of venereal disease. In the
United States the two most common are syphilis and
gonorrhea.
Syphilis is caused by a germ called treponema palli
dum. Millions of people have syphilis. It has been causing
insanity, paralysis, blindness, deformity, deafness and
death all over the world for hundred of years.
Gonorrhea, sometimes called "Clap," is caused by a
germ called gonococcus. Every year about a million people
in the United States get it. It is far more common than
syphilis.
Syphilis is spread from person to person by sexual ref
lations or, in very rare instances, by kissing. It is not
spread from toilet seats, or drinking glasses, or towels or
door knobs, as some believe.
Treponema pallidum is Unviable. It cannot live out-,
side of the human body for more than 2 or 3 seconds.
The first sign of infection is a sore at the point where
the germ entered the body. It is usually found on the sex
organs, though it may appear on the fingers, lips or breasts.
It will probably show up sometime between 10 and
90 days after infection.
This sore is called a chancre (pronounced shanker).
Three fairly common characteristics of the chancre are:
(1) it is an unusually clean looking infection, (2) it is al
most always painless, (3) the tissue surrounding the
chancre is hard, making the chancre feel somewhat like
a button. It may look like a pimple, a blister, or an
open sore.
Sometimes the sore is so small or hidden that it
isn't noticed. This is often true in girls.
This sore is full of germs, making it very easy to
pass the disease on to others.
When a person has such an infection, he or she is
said to have syphilis in its primary stage.
This chancre soon disappears even without treatment.
The germs now invade every part of the body, increas
ing in number and spreading throughout the entire system.
Three to six weeks the second signs appear. At this
time the disease can imitate many other diseases.
Symptoms may appear such as a rash or skin eruption
that may resemble the rash of measles, scarlet fever, ring
worm and many other diseases. Pimples or acne do not
indicate that a person has syphilis.
One may have a persistant fever, sore throat, and-or
a headache, or swollen lymph glands, particularly in the
groin region. The appearance of gray-ish-looking mucous
patches on the inside lining of the mouth, and the loss
of hair in patches are other signs.
This is the secondary stage of syphilis. Sometimes the
signs are slight. They may not be noticed and they will go
away without treatment. In this stage and afterwards
positive identification requires a blood test.
The primary and secondary stages of syphilis are the
most infectious ones.
By now the disease is established in the body and if
it is not treated it begins to attack the heart, brain and
spinal cord.
After all the outward signs have disappeared, the
syphilis is said to be latent or quiet.
Syphilis is considered more dangerous than gonorrhea
because of the complications that can arise if it is neg
lected. Over 3,000 persons die of syphilis yearly, although medi
cal progress has made this unnecessary. Survivors of un
treated syphilis can become blind, insane or victims of
serious heart disease. Over 20 percent of blindness in the
United States is due to untreated syphilis. $48,000,000 a
year is still being spent for those made mentally ill by
untreated syphilis.
Among untreated syphilitics, the Public Health Service
estimates that 1 in 200, will go blind, 1 in 50 will become
insane, I in 25 will become crippled, and 1 in 15 will
develop heart trouble.
In the early stages of syphilis a doctor can take
scrapings from the sores. He examines these samples
under a darkfield microscope and can see the s y p h i 1 1 s
germ. Otherwise the only way to tell is to have a blood
test. It is important to have just such a test at least once
or twice a year, just to be sure, according to the Nebras
ka State Health Department. .
Gonorrhea is spread from person to person m the
same way as is syphilis. Gonorrhea is not a strain from
lifting heavy things, it is not caught from toilet seats, or
towels, and it is not hereditary as some believe.
A baby's eyes mav become infected with gonorrhea
during the birth if the mother has the disease. It is required
by law in most states that drops of silver nitrate be put
in all newborn babies' eyes to prevent a gonorrhea infec
tion. Nebraska does not have such a law, according to
the State Department of Health.
The common symptoms of gonorrhea are: (t) i pain
ful burning sensation during urination, (2) a discharge of
pus from the genital organs.
Because of severe pain, a male who is infected with
gonorrhea will usually seek medical attention. The symp
toms of gonorrhea in the female are difficult to detect as
infected females rarely have any burning sensations dur
ing urination and any discharge often goes unnoticed. For
this reason, gonorrhea is often not discovered in the fe
male until it has caused serious damage.
It is never easy to tell if a woman has gonorrhea.
There is no blood test for it, and even the laboratory test
is rather difficult, takes several days and may not even
be positive.
Gonorrhea, if untreated, may cause sterility by dam
aging parts of the reproductive system. Scar tissue caused
by the infliction can block the tubes through which the
sperm and egg pass. It may cause blindness by de
stroying eye tissue. It may eventually reach the joints
and cause arthritis.
Both syphilis and gonorrhea can be completely cured
by penicillin, and there are other antibiotic drugs for
those sensitive to penicillin according to Parrish. There
is no immunity from either disease, one can become rein
fected over and over. Both can be cured at any stage, but
the damage done by the late stages can never be re
paired. This is why it is so important to receive treatment
for venereal disease as soon as possible.
"The only way we have to eradicate VD,, syphilis and
gonorrhea is to break the chain of infection," Parrish said.
When a person contracts VD he is interviewed for all
previous contacts in the past three months. "These inter
views are in the strictest confidence, and are connected
in no way with any police or disciplinary action," Parrish
said.
In Nebraska the total number of syphilis cases re
ported in 1958 was 198, in 1963 it was 397. There were
936 cases of gonorrhea reported in 1958, in 1963 this was
1,015. These are only reported cases. Parrish feels that
only about one-fourth of the total cases are reported to
public health.
The findings of a national study of VD incidence, car
ried out by the American Social Health Association, indi
cated that only about 30 percent of VD cases were re
ported. From these findings, experts estimate the actual
number of cases treated at 100,000 for infectious syphilis
and 1.000,000 for gonorrhea nationally.
During and after WW II, large amounts of government
money were spent to control VD. When the disease was
no longer considered a serious health problem, p u b l i c
health department budgets were cut back severely.
After a low was reached in 1957, incidence of VD be
gan to rise sharply, especially among young people. f
"There are several reasons why VD has made this
alarming comeback," said Parrish. "There is an Increased
mobility of the population. Attitudes toward sex are chang
ing. There is an increase in the appearance of homosex
uals in the chains of infection. The failure of the physician
to recognize and diajpose correctly.
There is a lack of VD education in the schools."
By far the largest problem in control of VD is a lack
of education.
The only way VD can be eradicated is to follow the
chains of infection. Without public support, this becomes
impossible, according to Parrish.
Dr. Leona Baumgartner, former New York City health
commissioner, has pointed out that many Americans
especially the new generation of young people who have
come along since the mass media ceased to publicize
the VD problem are "almost unbelievably ignorant"
about syphilis and gonorrhea.
Celia Deschin, PH.D. and writer for the Ladies Home
Journal said. "Accurate sex and health education in schools
could help protect children against VD. The more accurate
information a child has, the less likely he is to get into
trouble. True knowledge does not corrupt, it protects."
At the University of Nebraska, according to Dr. S. I..
Fuenning, Medical Director of Student Health there are
only five courses in public health. Public Health 11 and
12, which are oriented for the teacher, and three handled
by the Physical Education Department.
Dr. Fuenning said, "The information is not getting
out as it should in all areas of public health to the general
student. There is a pitiful lack of information on the part
of the student."
"To eradicate syphilis there must be the education
of the members of society, the cooperation of the mem
bers of society, people must report early signs and symp
toms. It will take a very good education program to con
trol VD," he said.
"The knowledge and techniques are available. VD can
be eradicated. It is now up to the public and the com
munity to apply what is known."
L
Women Song Leaders
To Meet Wednesday
A meeting for all song lead
ers or substitutes from wom
en's living units intending to
participate in the Ivy Day
Sing will be held Wednesday
at 7 p.m. in 232 Nebraska
Union.
Representatives are re
quested to bring a $3 check
payable to AWS for the entry
fee. Preliminary tryouts will
be held Apr. 14.
CLASSIFIED
ADS
WANTED
Male rcomate to share (our room apart
ment for lummer Vh blocks south
of campus. Call 4324)283 evenings.
College Students who will be in Lincoln
or surrounding area this summer. Pull
or part time work. Car necessary. Call
477-8862, Wednesday 2:WM:0O p.m.,
Thursday 4:00-6:00 p.m.. Friday 3:00-4:30
p.m.
FOR RENT
1844 South 43rd three bedroom furnished.
Including washer and dryer, available
now, 488-7534, 488-2367.
Furnished room for male student near
agriculture campus, private or double,
kitchen privileges. T.V. telephone.
Call 434-3654.
Near, new. on bedroom apartment, car
pet, stove, refrigerator, automatic
washer, off street parking, two bus
lines. Call evenings or before 10 a.m.
435-5750.
t a , 4 ' I ' 1
; . ;
.TV
Working at resort high In the Alps
It exciting, healthful and profitable.
mm n
unop
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg -You
enn still get a summer job in
Kurope and a travel grant through
the American Student Informa
tion Service. ASIS is also giving
every applicant a travel grant of
at least $250. Wages are as high
as $450 a month. Such jobs as re
sort hotel, office, sales, factory,
farm, camp and shipboard work
are available. Job and travel grant
applications and full details are
available in a 3(i-page booklet
which students may obtain by
sending $2 (for the booklet and
airmail postage) to Dept. R, ASIS,
22 Ave. de la Liberte, Luxembourg
City, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,
TODAY
STUDENT ASSISTANTS IN
TERVIEWS - Alpha Group,
9 a.m. and noon, 232 Nebras
ka Union.
STUDENT ASSISTANTS IN
TERVIEWS Omega Group.
10:30 a.m. and z:30 p.m.. 235
Nebraska Union.
MADRIGAL SINGERS RE
HEARSAL, 11:30 a.m., Ball
room, Nebraska Union.
LADIES OF THE LEGIS
LATURE, 12:30 p.m., 240 Ne
braska Union.
Y.W.C.A., 3:30 p.m., Audi
torium, Nebraska Union.
PANHELLENIC, 4 p.m.,
332-334 Nebraska Union
BUILDERS Campus Pro
motion, 4:30 p.m., North con
ference room Nebraska Un
ion. TASSELS, 4:30 p.m., 232
Nebraska Union.
UNION SPECIAL EVENTS
COMMITTEE, 4:30 p.m., 235
Nebraska Union.
INTER VARSITY LADY
BUG, 5:30 p.m., 334 Nebraska
Union.
U.C.C.F., 5:30 p.m., Ogal
lala room, Nebraska Union.
TOWNE CLUB, 6 p.m., Pan
American room, Nebraska
Union.
SIGMA DELTA T A U , 6
p.m., 241 Nebraska Union.
UNICORNS, 7 p.m., 232 Ne
braska Union.
PHI CHI THETA,
235 Nebraska Union.
KOSMET KLUB, 7 p.m.,
Ballroom, Nebraska Union.
PHI MU, 7 p.m., 240 Ne
braska Union.
TOMORROW
AIR FORCE, "Film Of The
Week," 3:30 p.m. 203 M and
N Building.
WAA INTERVIEWS, 7 p.m.
Grant Memorial Hall. Board
positions available. .
ALPHA ZETA, 7 p.m., 304
Keim Hall.
Group Plans To Bring
Chamber Music Here
7 p.m.
A newly-formed organiza
tion under the leadership of
Professor Robert Narveson is
attempting to bring a series
of chamber music concerts to
the Lincoln area.
The organization, known as
The Lincoln Friends of Cham
ber Music, wishes to bring
both outside and local cham
ber music groups to perform
in the Sheldon Art Gallery.
Members of the organization
estimate that by selling 300
season tickets at $10 apiece,
they can raise funds sufficient
for at least three and possibly
four, concerts. They are now
almost halfway toward reach
ing this goal, having secured
nearly 150 pledges of support.
It is imperative that inter
ested parties pledge their
support immediately. Most
nationally - known ensembles
'Heartbreak House'
To Run Again Tonight
"Heartbreak House," pro
duced by the University The
atre, will be held over for a
performance tonight at 8:00
p.m.
Tickets are available by
phone at 477-8711, Ext. 2072.
A limited number of tickets
will be available at the door.
Former Teacher
Dies In Accident
Dr. B. Clifford Hendricks,
81, of Longview, Wash., re
tired professor of chemistry
at the University was killed in
a car accident Thursday at
Longview.
Dr. Hendricks taught at the
University 30 years until his
retirement in 1951. Previous
to that he was on the Peru
State faculty for ten years.
He has also taught school at
Brock, Nemaha and Pender.
Dr. Hendricks received his
Bachelor of Science and doc
torate degree from the Uni
versity of Nebraska and his
master's degree from the Uni
versity of Chicago.
He was a member and past
vice president of the Ameri
can Association of University
Professors, past president of
the American Chemical So
ciety and fellow of the Ameri
can Association for the Ad
vancement of Science and a
past president of the local
chapter of Sigma Xi.
Dr. Hendricks was also a
member of First Christian
church in Lincoln where he
served as an elder, and the
Nebraska Christian Founda
tion for students at Nebraska
colleges.
are rapidly filling up their
calendars for the 196-66 sea
son, and the organization can
not enter into contractual ob
ligation without being sure
that the money is forthcom
ing. The group points out that a
university community the size
of Lincoln can surely afford
an additional series on this
relatively modest scale. They
also said they can not imagine
a more nearly perfect home
for chamber music than
Sheldon.
Students and faculty who
want to pledge their support
are invited to give, their
names now either to Profes
sor Narveson, Department of
English, extension 2547, or
Lawrence Poston at extension
2541 or 2542.
Football
Continued from Page 4.
rould be in the thick of the lineback
ing scrap . . . Junior.
Right guard LYNN KENKBKII, (,
2111 ... I.Ike Allers, Senkbeil de
veloped rapidly last fall and did a fine
job toward the end of season when
called upon to spell McGinn ... Ha
may let a full-time job if Bernle goes
to offense . . . Junior.
Right tackle GARY BRICI1ACEK (8-1.
239) . . . Played well at times and
has fine potential . . . Junior.
Left tackle JIM BROWN (8-!. 251) . . .
Jim's play has lacked consistency In the
past, nut he has turned in some fins
games . . . Senior.
BACKS
Quarterback WAYNE WEBER -J, 1191
, . . Injuries hampered his soph sea
son and he dldnt see action after being
hurt in opener . . . Fine passer and
runner, he can quickly move into con
tention . . . Sophomore.
Left halfback RON KIRKLAND (6-2.
201) . , , Tough, hard runner, Ron
backed up Kent McCloughan as a 1!64
soph . . . Also did NU" punting . . .
He kicked 43 times for a 33.7 average
. . . Junior.
Right halfback KATE CARSTENS (8-1,
194) . . . Fine offensive runner (he
averased 29.1 as a Frosh), Kaye was
limited to Infrequent play as a soph
bv co-captain Bobby Hohn and blossom
ing of Harry Wilson . . . Good speed
and "'usiveness . . .Blocking improved
last fall, and he'll be In the thick of
the spring battle . . . Junior.
Fallback PETE TATMAKf (6-1. 233)
. . . Netted 95 yards and 3.9 average
as a soph in 1984 . . . Has the size
and ability to be a top fullback, but
logged most of his time on defense when
Huskers elected to go with scatback
Frankie Solich at the fullback spot . . .
Pete had a good day. defensively, in
the Cotton Bowl and may join the "Black
Shirts." . . . Junior.
POSTSCRIPT
Quarterback FRED Dl'DA (5-11. 188)
. . . Broken leg wrecked his iunio r
year after he starred as Dennis Clar
idge's back-up man as a soph in 1M3
. . . Duda sparked a great Huskcr
comeback against Minnesota by tossing
two TD passes in the final seven min
utes . . . While a returning starter,
Churchich did bulk of season's work . . .
Duda is slated to be okay lor fall
play and no doubt will figure in NU
plans.
El.-
' e flre opci"n
'if)Si WHOLESALE PRICES
nfi fil F0R 0NE WEEK 0NLY I
f H March 29 April 3 I
'ill $ n use' "'s f
If III 30
: -3 l l on new books fcj
wul ill I BE Y0UR 0WN
fl Jjjl WHOLESALER f
fe I W
7-
Ijdtada, BOOK STORE
HELD OVER TONIGHT On fgj
wniYorii7 y jj t J"1
A
Box Office
12th & R Streets
Phone Univ. Ext. 2072
I
At.
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f
f i
5'
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57
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