What's the "hidden plague" referenced in this 1917 list of stuff censored from UK films?

by 72skidoo

Here's the list, taken from the movie section of a 1917 issue of The Oregonian: https://imgur.com/gallery/ePsIp

Included in the list is, "Effect of the hidden plague, inherited or acquired."

I figure they probably meant some kind of STD, by the "inherited or acquired" bit is throwing me off.

CChippy

The term "the hidden plague" here is a reference to syphilis; "Hidden" because it can be asymptomatic for years after infection so that the infected person may not know s/he has the disease, "Inherited" when a child acquires congenital syphilis from the mother during pregnancy or at birth, or "Acquired" through normal infection, usually by contact with an open sore or chancre during sexual activity.