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Three cases of Scarlet fever were reported, the source of infection could not be traced.
In two of these cases the sanitary arrangements were good, in the third not satisfactory. A
severe epidemic of Measles was prevalent in the months of February, March, April and May:—
in each case notified by Masters or Mistresses of schools—the premises were visited and instructions
as to the attendance of other children at school given in accordance with the
regulations of the Local Government Board.
(F) FREVALENCE OF AND CONTROL OYER TUBERCULOSIS.
One case of Tuberculosis was notified under the regulations of 1908. The case is
visited generally twice a week and all precautions taken. Four casus were notified under
the Regulations of 1911, their homes were visited and instructions given to prevent spread of the
disease. Eight deaths were registered from pulmonary tuberculosis being one-eighth of the
total deaths at all ages. No system of notification or control was in force during the year and
no Hospital accommodation for cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, other than that afforded at the
Workhouse Infirmary, is in existence.
(F) INVESTIGATION OF OTHER DISEASE.
I am of opinion that a great improvement in the general health of the District will be
apparent as soon as the Council is able to close the numerous unhealthy dwellings therein:
many of these are very damp with insufficieutly ventilated bedrooms and in a dirty condition,
and I can assert from personal knowledge that the most severe and fatal cases of Measles,
Diarrhoea and Rheumatic Endocarditis occur in those unhealthy cottages.
(G) MEANS FOR PREVENTING MORTALITY IN CHILDBIRTH AND IN
INFANCY.
The Notification of Births Acts, 1907, is not adopted, but I am strongly of opinion
Infant and Childhood mortality would be largely reduced if the Council would appoint a
properly qualified female health officer to visit the Mothers and advise them as to the management
of their Children, the care of their homes and the storage of their food to prevent
contamination by dust and flies.
In conclusion I wish to record my sincere thanks to Mr. D. C. Fidler, your Sanitary
Inspector, for his valuable and ready assistance at all times in the performance of my numerous
duties as Custodian of the Public Health of the District.
I am, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
E. J. PARROTT.
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