Dublin Core
Title
Public Health Signs
Subject
Civic & Government
Description
Although the state and county boards of health have jurisdiction during health emergencies, it falls to local officials to enforce rules and regulations.
During the 1920’s, outbreaks of various communicable diseases, such as measles, resulted in a new law, Section143.05 to be enforced. Under this section, the State Board of Health is empowered to establish a quarantine to protect the public. Local health officers are informed when a communicable disease is diagnosed at a location, and must order the residents to quarantine and place a placard at the site. The card must have the disease’s name, a warning against contact with those ill, and a warning about tampering with the card (Section 143 of the Statutes, 1923-1924).
Assembled here are a number of quarantine cards showing diseases that impacted municipalities across the country in the 20th century. Children were often carriers, leading to temporary school closures or students learning from home while their house was under quarantine. While most displayed here are from the health department offices, the MEASLES sign was placed at 115 E Newhall Ave in the 1940’s.
The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic once again put public health as the leading issue in the city. City, state, and federal health experts and official provided advice on personal safety practices including social distancing, regular hand washing, and wearing face coverings when in public.
Donor: Janet Fraser
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Marty Frank, in memorium
During the 1920’s, outbreaks of various communicable diseases, such as measles, resulted in a new law, Section143.05 to be enforced. Under this section, the State Board of Health is empowered to establish a quarantine to protect the public. Local health officers are informed when a communicable disease is diagnosed at a location, and must order the residents to quarantine and place a placard at the site. The card must have the disease’s name, a warning against contact with those ill, and a warning about tampering with the card (Section 143 of the Statutes, 1923-1924).
Assembled here are a number of quarantine cards showing diseases that impacted municipalities across the country in the 20th century. Children were often carriers, leading to temporary school closures or students learning from home while their house was under quarantine. While most displayed here are from the health department offices, the MEASLES sign was placed at 115 E Newhall Ave in the 1940’s.
The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic once again put public health as the leading issue in the city. City, state, and federal health experts and official provided advice on personal safety practices including social distancing, regular hand washing, and wearing face coverings when in public.
Donor: Janet Fraser
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Marty Frank, in memorium
Creator
Waukesha County Public Health Dept.
Publisher
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Date
1920-1950
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum