View report page

28
As regards these multiple attacks in houses, the question
arises as to how many of them may be regarded as secondary,
that is due to direct or indirect infection, and how many are
simultaneous attacks, probably due to the same infection.
In 4 of the 17 houses the date of onset of the disease,
or the dale of notification, points to the attacks being
simultaneous, viz., in
No. 4, Albert-street (first 2 cases).
„ 12, Albert-street.
,, 50, High-road.
,, 65, High-road.
In the remaining 11 houses the secondary cases occurred
at a later date than the first, and may be regarded as most
probably due to direct or indirect infection from the previous
cases.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
Number of Persons per Infected House.—The average
number was 7—3 adults and 4 children.
Dirty Houses.—Thirty-three of the infected houses were
described as "dirty" or "in want of cleansing."
Flies.—In 40 of the houses a nuisance from the superabundance
of flies was complained of. Many of the houses
swarmed with them, and after disinfection the floors were in
many cases black with dead flies.
Milk Supply —In 21 of the houses milk was obtained
from one original source, either regularly or occasionally.
In 12 houses tinned milk only was used.
In 2 „ goat's „ ,, „ „
The remaining 19 houses obtained milk from four other
sources.
Bathing in Bounds Green Brook.—Nine of the patients
—children varying in age from 4 to 12—had bathed and
paddled in this brook more or less frequently. These cases
were all notified during the month of September.
CAUSE OF THE OUTBREAK.
I have not been able to determine definitely or conclusively
the exact cause of the outbreak. The evidence bearing
on the question is as follows :—
(I.) Milk Supply.—From facts given it will be seen
that 43 percent. of the houses obtained their milk from the
same original source. On the face of it, this is a large proportion,
and requires explanation.