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The number of children excluded in 1908 was 2,146. The increase during
1909 was due to increased prevalence of measles, chicken-pox, and whooping
cough. There was also a larger number of exclusions for skin affections and
minor ailments.
During the year intimations were received from the school authorities as
to the exclusion of children who had not had measles from class rooms in
the infants' departments of the following schools: Chatham Gardens, Trinity
Place, on two occasions in February and May, St. John's Road, Maidstone
Street, Scawfell Street, Scrutton Street, Canal Road, Wenlock Road, Hoxton
House, Shap Street and Napier Street.
The practice of excluding the younger children who have not had measles
when the disease is prevalent, is now being tried in place of closure of class
rooms.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
During the year 35 examinations were made by Dr. Bulloch at the London
Hospital Medical School in cases of suspected infectious disease. In 20 the
examinations were for enteric fever, in five of these Widals test was positive,
in nine negative and in three instances doubtful. Thirteen examinations were
made in cases of suspected diphtheria; in seven of these the micro-organism
of the disease was found. In two instances the examinations were for the
bacilli of tuberculosis; in one of these they were present.
DISINFECTION.
During 1909 disinfection was carried out at 1,103 premises as compared with
1,208 in 1908 and 1,688 in 1907 The articles removed and disinfected at the
Borough disinfecting Station numbered 26,544, as compared with 22,056 in
1908, 34,095 in 1907, 26,693 in 1906, 33,745 in 1905, 14,063 in 1904, 8,911 in
1903, 55,025 in 1902, and 17,226 in 1901. The articles disinfected included
1,247 beds, 1,065 mattresses, 2,425 pillows, 934 bolsters and 20,878 other articles
including sheets, blankets, quilts, curtains, carpets, cushions, clothing and the
like. The figures for 1909 include 564 articles disinfected on account of vermin.
It was necessary to destroy infected beds in three and mattresses in ten
instances. These were replaced by new. No complaints of a serious character!
were received in respect to the measures taken by the Sanitary Authority for
the purposes of disinfection. In one instance compensation was allowed for
damage to a table-cloth.
THE SHELTER.
The shelter was in use on two occasions: on April 26th for one night by
a family of four persons, and on August 10th for one night by a family of
five, in both instances on account of scarlet fever.