coobybook Chapter 994 Smallpox (Part 2)
Chapter 994 Smallpox (Part 2)
Ma Zhong looked puzzled upon hearing Hua Chang'an's words.
These unorthodox methods of treating illness sound rather strange; it's as if His Majesty himself came up with them.
How does Your Majesty know everything?!
A resolute glint flashed in Yang Zhongsi's eyes as he decisively said, "No matter what method we use, as long as there is even a one in ten thousand chance, it is better than sitting and waiting to die."
"Dr. Hua, please go ahead and do your best. I will give you my full support!"
Hua Chang'an took a deep breath, knowing that this was not the time to hesitate.
He immediately made a demand: "In that case, before we begin treatment, there are several fundamental things about epidemic prevention that must be addressed immediately, otherwise all treatment will be just empty talk."
Yang Zhongsi said solemnly, "Please speak, divine physician."
After a moment's thought, Hua Chang'an spoke clearly and logically:
"First, delineate the epidemic area, seal off all villages and military camps with patients, set up guard posts, strictly prohibit the free movement of people, and cut off the transmission route."
Yang Zhongsi nodded: "Don't worry, Doctor, this is already underway."
"Second, all camps and residences must be disinfected by splashing lime water. The clothes and bedding used by patients must be boiled in boiling water. The bodies of those who unfortunately die from the disease must be cremated and the ashes buried deep to prevent the virus from lingering."
Yang Zhongsi hesitated for a moment: "This..."
People in Daqing believe in returning to one's roots after death. If a body is not buried but instead cremated, it is likely to cause panic.
The people of Qiongzhou are already very frightened. If this is forced, it may incite public anger.
However, Yang Zhongsi also knew that although it would be difficult to implement this matter, the fact that Hua Chang'an had brought it up meant that it was very important.
He gritted his teeth and nodded, saying, "Okay! I'll make the arrangements!"
Hua Chang'an continued:
"Third, any new cases discovered anywhere must be reported immediately so that we can detect and isolate them as early as possible to prevent the formation of new outbreaks."
"Fourth, immediately issue a public notice to reassure the people, explaining the principles of the epidemic's spread and the importance of these preventative measures, in order to avoid riots caused by ignorance."
He finished speaking in one breath, then looked at Yang Zhongsi: "Only by doing these four things well and ensuring that the epidemic does not spread further can we talk about how to treat patients."
Yang Zhongsi solemnly promised, "Very well! I will personally oversee these four matters!"
Hua Chang'an nodded: "In that case, let's set off now."
Without a moment's rest, the group immediately left the dock and headed towards the Qing army camp.
Upon arriving at the central army camp, Hua Chang'an didn't even have time to sit down and have a sip of water before asking Yang Zhongsi directly, "General, are there any sick soldiers in this camp right now?"
Yang Zhongsi nodded with a somber expression: "These days, soldiers who transport supplies between the prefectural city and the main camp inevitably get sick. A small isolation area has been set up in the camp to house several brothers who have shown symptoms."
“Take me to see it,” Hua Chang’an said immediately.
Upon hearing this, the accompanying physician and the generals in the camp were all greatly alarmed.
"A miracle doctor is out of the question!"
"Your Excellency, please reconsider. It is dangerous there. Perhaps we should go in your stead."
"Physician Hua, you are a national treasure, how can you personally venture into such a dangerous place?"
Everyone tried to dissuade him, their voices filled with anxiety.
Ma Zhong stepped forward and blocked his path without saying a word: "If something happens to you, how will I explain it to His Majesty? Can't you send one of your physicians to scout ahead first?"
Hua Chang'an glanced at everyone and calmly said, "This epidemic is mainly transmitted through droplets during close contact."
"Put on this mask specially made by the Ministry of Works on His Majesty's orders." He took out a fine cotton mask from his sleeve and covered his mouth and nose. "If you also maintain a certain distance, the risk of contracting the disease will be greatly reduced."
"Moreover, I have come here from afar on His Majesty's orders, and my purpose is to treat the sick and save lives."
"If I don't even dare to see the patients, what's the point of His Majesty sending me here? Am I just going to hide in the rear and talk about strategies?"
No one would listen to him, and they all tried their best to persuade him otherwise.
Hua Chang'an was determined to go and see for himself no matter what.
Knowing that further persuasion was useless, Yang Zhongsi took a deep breath: "In that case, I'll have to trouble Doctor Hua. Be careful in everything!"
Hua Chang'an nodded: "Don't worry, General, I know what I'm doing."
Then, turning to the medical team that had assembled and was waiting behind him, he asked loudly, "Is there anyone in the team who has had smallpox and has recovered?"
After a slight commotion, more than ten people stepped forward, including men and women, all of whom were medical officers and medical school teachers.
Hua Chang'an didn't speak, but slowly stepped forward and carefully checked each one.
He wasn't just looking around randomly; he was focusing on the exposed skin of these people, such as their faces and arms.
Most of the survivors had pockmarks on their skin, which were lifelong marks left after recovering from smallpox.
Until Hua Chang'an walked up to a young female physician.
The female medical officer had her head down; her face was smooth and there were no obvious scars.
Hua Chang'an stopped in his tracks, his gaze sharp, and remained silent.
The female physician felt Hu Chang'an's gaze, her body trembled slightly, and her eyes began to dart away.
Hua Chang'an's tone was serious and showed no leniency: "Don't think that just because you are a woman, I won't examine you. There is no distinction between men and women in the presence of a doctor."
“If you are unwilling, I can immediately have the female doctor accompanying the team examine you; you can’t hide it from me.”
The female physician stammered in a low voice, "Your Excellency...I..."
Hua Chang'an raised his hand to stop her from continuing, his voice stern: "Foolish! This is not the time to be reckless! This is a deadly disease; even the slightest bit of wishful thinking could harm yourself and others!"
"If you have never had this disease, go back immediately. No one will blame you for being cowardly. Being realistic is the duty of a doctor."
The female physician's eyes reddened as she spoke, and she whispered, "Your Excellency... I know I was wrong."
He then lowered his head deeply and retreated back into the line of those who had not yet left the ranks.
Yang Zhongsi and Ma Zhong watched from the sidelines, completely bewildered, not knowing what Hua Chang'an was doing.
Ma Zhong couldn't help but ask, "Dr. Hua, what's wrong with you...?"
Hua Chang'an then explained to the two of them: "This disease has a unique characteristic. Anyone who suffers from this disease and survives will develop a resistance within their body and will never get it a second time in their lifetime."
"This is also the principle behind treating this disease with 'human smallpox' and 'cowpox': it's not about curing the patient, but about getting them infected first, and then acquiring immunity."
"People who have had smallpox will often have such scars on their skin."
He pointed to the pockmarks on the faces of the medical officers who stepped forward and continued, "Therefore, it is safest to select those who are already immune to come with me into the quarantine area."
Yang Zhongsi and Ma Zhong then realized what was going on, and their admiration for Hua Chang'an's caution only grew.
After confirming that the remaining people had no further problems, Hua Chang'an said to Yang Zhongsi and Ma Zhong, "You two wait here, I'll be right back."