This was followed by the appearance of the
Plague Doctor on his rounds to make sure the newly arrived were not carrying the plague, which is still a current concern.
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-plague9nov09
The doctor became concerned when he learned that the Luhrs’ had recently visited the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) and had recent changes: a sore throat, coughing, spot in (camera lens) eye, sudden shopping spree (after giving up so many worldly possessions just months earlier), and their daughter suddenly walking like a crab.
http://www.lbcblog.com/2007/12/05/crabbies/
He eventually concluded they were not carrying the plague, but he did advise that they eat more chicken soup. They complied that very night, with the help of Larry’s
jook (congee).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congee