North Adams Transcript from North Adams, Massachusetts • 4

4 The Transcript, Saturday, July 10, 100 Fear of AIDS mirrors panic of earlier epidemics Hints from Hefoise By UNDA ST. THOMAS Smithsonian News Service Epidemic diseases have been recorded for at least 5,000 years. Still, each disease brings panic and fear, especially for Americans who, until AIDS was first recognized in 1981, had been lulled into believing that epidemics of infectious diseases were a thing of the past. "Not since the polio epidemics of the 1940s and early '50s has fear of infection reached such a high pitch as it has in the i 1980s," Dr. Allan Brandt, a professor at Harvard University's Medical School, says.

The virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome is unusually lethal. Of the 4,454 new AIDS patients in the United States reported to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta in the first six months of 1985, more than 3,000 were dead by late 1987 a fatality rate of 78 percent. This rate is expected to increase as more people die from the incurable disease. There are striking similarities between AIDS and epidemics of the past. Historians and other researchers say we can learn from these past experiences in order to conquer unwarranted fear, provide comfort to people with AIDS and continue research to find a cure and a vaccine.

The American experience with the tuberculosis epidemic of the early 1900s can be compared to AIDS, says Dr. Daniel Fox, curator of "In Time of Plague," a recent exhibition on the history of epidemics at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The exhibition will tour the country next year under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. DEATH'S orai to rai mat, sura, EARLIER EPIDEMIC Cholera, one of the deadliest epidemics of the 19th century, was often spread through sources of public drinking water. This 1 866 Illustration from a British magazine criticized government officials for their Inaction against the disease.

(Photos-Smithsonian News Service) about crowded places, and children were kept away from swimming pools and summer camps. Polio has virtually been eliminated in the United to the CDC, the virus has not occurred naturally in this country for eight years, which is why a single case would be considered an epidemic. Another epidemic, far more lethal than polio, was cholera, which struck in this country in the mid 1800s. Cholera still runs rampant in developing nations where water supplies are contaminated or where infected people handle food with unwashed hands. Cholera, Dr.

Charles Rosenberg, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania, says, is the "classic" epidemic. Rosenberg recently spoke at a public symposium on the history of epidemics at the New School for Social Rersearch in New York City. As with many other epidemics, he says, cholera was first believed to be a punishment sent by God and transmitted in the "miasma" bad air that supposedly surrounded infected places. Onset of the disease is dramatic, marked by diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and swift dehydration. By 1883, when the cholera bacterium was discovered some American physicians were already familiar with the theory that contaminated water, rather than "bad air," caused the disease.

They recommended that people boll watar to disinfect the clothing and bedding of cholera victims. The response to cholera in the United States was turning point in the flight against all infectious diseases and the beginning of the public health movement. While scientists looked for cures and vaccines, public health and city officials began working for better housing and nutrition, clean water, proper trash removal and improved personal hygiene. Artifacts maintained at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., trace the history of epidemics and the U.S. public health movement.

The collection includes such items as samples of AZT, a drug used to treat AIDS; samples of vaccines; polio braces; military posters, and blood-testing equipment. While most researchers agree that a vaccine or a cure for AIDS are years away, the history of other epidemics does provide guidance. "Social action during past epidemics may have been more effective than waiting for a triumph of medical science," Fox says. In the last century, death rates in the United States from the most lethal infectious diseases began to decline before vaccines or cures were available. Improvements in education, food, water supplies and housing were major factors in controlling epidemics.

"Prevention," Fox adds, "remains the best response to a disease such as AIDS that has brought the past firmly into the 13 lM: I I 1 DISPENSARY. Twwim no turn. syphilis in the early 20th century also has much in common with people's responses to AIDS. "For decades, there was no curative treatment against syphilis, just as there is no cure or vaccine for AIDS now," says Harvard's Brandt, author of a book on sexually transmitted diseases, "No Magic Bullet." Public education, then, is an essential weapon in the fight against AIDS, just as it was for syphilis before the discovery of antibiotics. Thousands of U.S.

military posters once recommended abstinence to guard against syphilis and gonorrhea. Today, posters, brochures and films advise the use of condoms and other methods including abstinence to prevent contracting the virus or viruses that cause AIDS. For centuries, doctors have known that syphilis like AIDS is sexually transmitted. Many people, however, persisted In believing that casual contact even touching was dangerous. The U.S.

Navy in World War II went as far as removing doorknobs from ships, Brandt notes, in an effort to protect sailors' health. "The polio epidemic in the United States had nothing to do with sexuality, but the fear it engendered was actually greater than the fear of AIDS," Fox says. Poliomyelitis was a well-publicized disease, which afflicted President Franklin D. Roosevelt and thousands of children and young adults. The epidemic was at its peak from 1942 to 1953.

In 1952, 57,879 cases were reported. The virus is passed by direct contact, such as sneezing or coughing on someone. This led to widespread fears that someone said no black actor ever won both awards, but I think Gossett did. Right? W.K., Arlington Heights, 111. A.

Right! Louis Gossett did win. both awards. He claimed an Oscar In 1982 for his role in "An Officer and A Gentleman." He won the Emmy for his role in the original production of "Roots." And, by the way, he'll recreate the role of Fiddler in the upcoming "Roots Christmas." You'll also be seeing him this fall in ABC's "Mystery Wheel" anthology series. Q. How long have Ashford and Simpson been married and how many children do they have? Albert Detroit, Mich.

A. Valerie Simpson and Nickolas Ashford have been married 14 years and have two children. They started their careers writing songs for Motown singers such as Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Tamml Terrell. This fall, they'll star in Disney's upcoming "Sunday Night Showcase." Several stars who have been singing their music will appear, including Patti LaBelle. Another guest is Paul Shaffer of the "David Letterman Show." Oh, yes, Ashford and Simpson will also sing some of their Both TB and AIDS are infectious, often striking people in their 20s and 30s, and both diseases have long Incubation periods.

Most important, says Fox, a professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, "TB and AIDS test our compassion and strength as a society because victims of both diseases heed special, long-term care." TB patients were often cared for at homebr in sanitariums. Similarly, many AIDS patients receive outpatient treatment, which has led to an increase in the number of patients requiring hospices and home-care services. How many cases a disease make an epidemic? There is no set number, according to the CDC, which defines an epidemic simply as "more cases than you would expect to find in a certain population over a certain period of time." Thus the CDC says, a single case of bubonic plague or polio in the United States would constitute an epidemic because it is more than the normal or expected number of cases. Some responses to epidemics or plagues are predictable and negative. People often become suspicious of immigrants and travelers, for example, who may carry the disease.

The United States, Thailand, Iraq and other nations require immigrants to be screened for antibodies to the AIDS-virus. Victims of epidemics are also often avoided for fear of contagion, even in situations where the disease such as AIDS or syphilis is not spread through casual contact. One age-old step taken to prevent epidemics is quarantine or isolation. Many Americans can still recall quarantine signs stamped on their doors through the 1940s announcing disciplined Convent of the Sacred Heart while still entertaining in the streets. Wilder then went to a coed high school where, "I learned how to intermingle with my peers in an environment that allows an identity.

It taught me how to observe and behave in the manner of the specific environment I was in. It trained me to adapt, to be a chameleon. These combined experiences led Wilder to Los Angeles, where, at age 16, he landed roles in several plays. By 19, he was engaged to perform opposite Mickey Rooney and Anne Miller in "Sugar Babies," which ran on Broadway and toured nationally. Wilder's acting career was launched, and he next worked on the television production of the Emmy-Award winning "War Between the Classes," with Paul Winfield; the movie-of-the-week "Cracked Up," (the first film on the controversial issue of and the series "The Bronx Zoo." Upon completion of his upcoming movie "Murder One," Wilder's fourth motion picture, he landed the lead role in Lorimar's "Midnight Magic" opposite Jennifer Dale.

In "Murder One," Wilder portrays LET MAGNET GIVE HEAD START MA6NET A SUPER HINT Even a quality chisel can be damaged by a wild -blow. TO protect your chisel handles, slip a copper or plastic plumbing cap over the end. These end caps are available in about any size, i Dear Super: Whenever I run across a lighter that Is out of fluid but still has a flint, I keep it to start my propane torch. POLIO VACCINE-ln this photo. Dr.

Jonas Salk, who developed the kilied-vlrus polio vaccine. Inoculates a school girl. The vaccine was first used on April 1 2, 1 955. James Wilder got start as actor in street theatre PIE DOUGH Dear Heloise: I enjoy baking pies and bake several throughout the week. I make the crusts myself and sometimes have dough left over.

I form the dough into a ball and roll it out on a greased cookie sheet. I sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon and sugar on it and bake for about 10 minutes, take it out of the oven and cut it into squares. When the children come home from school they look forward to this little treat. They are great with a glass of milk. Marie Wheeler, Newark, N.J.

My mother did the same and it's one of my great childhood memories! Heloise Dear Heloise: Here is a tip that has saved my microwave. I have several children and they sometimes Inadvertently turn it on without my knowledge. So, I filled a microwave-safe glass with water and leave it in the microwave. This way if it does get turned on it doesn't hurt the over. Diane Hopkins, Westchester, N.

Y. This is a good precaution, since it's important never to turn on an empty microwave oven. Heloise COTTAGE CHEESE Dear Heloise: I love cottage cheese and buy it often. To help it last longer, simply place the carton upside down In the refrigerator. This! keeps the air from getting into the container and cottage cheese stays' fresher for a longer period of Edith Lu, Connorsville, Ind.

EYE DROPPER Dear Heloise: One day while over at a friend's house I noticed she was making a recipe that called for some! extract flavoring. She took a clean which had measurements marked; on it, from her utensil drawer and' suctioned up some of the extract. This made it easier since she. already had something in the; measuring spoons. I thought this was a great idea and wanted to pass; it along.

Katie Pa. DEAR READERS: Here are some things to think about to help prevent burglaries while you're away on vacation. Of course, never keep jewelry, cash or valuables at home while you are away. Consider placing them in a safe deposite box for the duration of your trip. Do you really think you can hide them? Automatic timers for lights are a great help.

A radio can be connected to the timer for even better strategy. Blinds should be left in their regular position. Don't keep them all closed; it's a dead giveaway. Don't leave extra keys under the floor mat or in flower pots! Everyone knows these spots. Also, if your keys have been stolen, have the locks changed.

Don't take a chance. Make sure that you have someone 1 to mow your lawn and pick up mail, newspapers and circulars. A yard full of papers is an open invitation. Lower the sound on the telephone so it can't be heard outside when no one answers it. These are simple steps to protect your home while away enjoying your vacation! Heloise DEAR HELOISE: I would like some information on buying and cooking fresh lamb.

Our family really enjoys it and I just don't know much about it. Thanking you in advance. Merrie Samson, Aspen, Colo Look for lamb that is fine-textured and a bright pink. Really good qualir ty lamb has a smooth covering of pinkish-white firm fat over most of the outside. To figure out how much to buy, the experts recommend one-fourth tq one-third of a pound bf boneless meat for each person or one-half pound with the bone in.

The lamb should go into the colt dest part of the refrigerator. It can be stored up to three days. Ground lamb can be refrigerated up to two days. After cooking, lamb is safe, for two to three days, stored in the refrigerator. Fresh lamb can be frozen safely (if properly wrapped) for six to nine months.

Ground or cooked lamb will last about three to four months in the freezer. Since Iamb chops are supposed to be tender, they can be cooked using a dry-heat method which means you can pan-broil, grill, broil or roast them. Cooking or braising in liquid are the best ways to cook less-tender shank cuts. The most often recommended temperature for lamb is 325 degrees: Don't overcook. Allow it to stand for approximately 20 minutes before carving.

Leave the skin on roasts; it holds in the natural juices which Is important to help keep the meat juicy and tender, Heloise SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise P.O. Box 795000 San Antonio, Tex. 78279 that someone inside had scarlet fever, diphtheria, chicken pox or measles. Beginning in the Middle Ages, authorities in European cities attempted to prevent the spread of bubonic plague by confining victims and their families to their homes. Doctors and public health officials now know that fleas on rats carried the plague bacterium.

In turn, the fleas bit humans. Confining families of plague victims to their homes which were usually infested with rats increased the chances that those people would contract the disease. Many historians agree, though, that quarantining ships and towns probably helped stop the spread of rats, and therefore the disease, to entire regions. In addition, people living during the bouts of plague that ravaged Europe from the 14th to the 18th centuries were advised to avoid the sick and their families, public gatherings, religious services and funerals. One British government recommendation involved moving infected people to special buildings and shooting anyone who tried to escape.

Explaining the proposal, one official said, "Where the disease is desperate, the remedy must be so too." The plan met with public outrage and was withdrawn. Today, some people consider measures designed to stop the spread of AIDS extreme: distributing clean needles to heroin addicts in New York City, starting sex education classes for younger children and including AIDS prevention information and sending pamphlets on the disease to every household in the United States. The response to another epidemic James Wilder Carl Isaacs, wno was one of the four criminals accused of murdering six members of the Alday family in Georgia in May of 1973. Carl Isaacs was regarded as the ring-leader. Wilder, who studied with the late Peggy Furey for two-and-one-half years, commutes between New York City and Los Angeles.

Q. Did Louis Gossett Jr. win an Oscar or an Emmy? Or did he win both? And if so, what did he win them for? The reason I'm asking Is It's small enough to stick in my pocket when I'm working, the color makes it easy to find and it's free, because most people are really happy to get rid of them. W.T. Q.

My kitchen and bath faucets both spurt water out at the end of the spout. Also, the stream isn't as strong as it used to be. I have tightened the exposed parts, but I still have the problem. What should I try next? A. You probably just have a problem with, the aerator, the small device on the end of the spout.

It has screens that can get clogged up with mineral deposits, which can cause both the spurting and the lack of pressure. Unscrew the aerator; it turns counterclockwise. If you can't turn it by hand, use a pair of pliers. Be sure to pad the metal so your pliers bite into the pad instead of chewing up the metal. Keep track of the sequence of the parts so that you can put it back together when all the parts are clean.

By EVELYN Q. Could you please give me some professional and personal background on the wonderful James Wilder? Erica Sacramento, Calif. A. James Wilder has had a rather unique history. Cleveland bom but California-raised, Wilder lived in Sausalito and began earning money at age 9 when he started shining shoes.

By age 12, he was performing in San Francisco's active street theatre. "It was strictly pass the hat wherever there were groups of people," he recalls. During this period, he was spotted by an international agent who booked him into the Moulin Rouge in Vienna. But when a review appeared in the paper stating his age (14), the show was closed down. So Wilder moved on to Paris' more lenient Moulin Rouge where he sang, danced and did standup comedy at night and worked the Champs Elysees doing routines during the day.

After eight months, he returned to San Francisco where he continued his polarized existence, upgrading his education by attending the highly songs. Q. Why did NBC cancel "Molly Dodd" even though it got such great reviews? The Molly fans of Denver. A. The only reason we hear is that the top honcho of the network didn't like the show.

It's as good a reason as any, but not one most of us would find easy to buy. Q. What's the story on Prince and Sandra Bernhard, that strange comic lady? Are they the odd couple, or what? R.C., Cromona, Ky. A. The only way to describe them as a couple is to say they're a couple of very individual individuals.

Bernhard has said, however, that she admires Prince because he's like her in at least one respect they both like to take risks in their careers. Q. What was Chris Sarandon's. first movie? Was it a French film? Denis Quebec. A.

Sarandon's first film was "Dog Day Afternoon" and, you may be interested to know that he earned an Oscar nomination for his role in that brilliant flick. and true $410.9 $407.1 kifoGraphtc 11 .1988 No Amenta SfixtcaJe inc Magnet can help drive nail in straight Send it to Al Carrell, The Super Han- Those of general interest will be us-dyman, in care of this newspaper. ed in future columns. New construction in the U.S. Seasonally adjusted in billions of current dollars: frAnc A 11 ByALCARRELL Starting a nail can be difficult when the target is in a really tight spot or overhead.

A friend of mine came up with a pretty good solution Glue a magnet to the side of the hammer. The head of the nail can be placed on the magnet to get it started. After that, turn the hammer around and finish the job. Dear Al: I repair lawn equipment for fun since I retired a few years back and have found that neglect causes most problems people have with their equipment. Take batteries, for example.

Most people don't know that a battery will last longer if used more often. If a battery runs down to the point where it needs to be charged, it loses the capacity to be charged to a certain extent. Recharge your batteries when they're low, not when you need to use them. Also store them in cool, dry place when you're not using them for a long time. I'd rather do the fun stuff, not just charge up someone's battery R.G.

414 SOURCE: Census Bureau I 406 390 $392.6 i I A 1987 gnuj.t a $403.6 $392 5 i i ll i i ll AM 1988 Got a question or a handy tip?.