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The number of children excluded during 1911 was practically the same as for
1910, being 3,292, as compared with 3,293. The exclusions on account of measles
were 328 less than in 1910, while the exclusions under the head of other causes, such
as ophthalmia, ringworm, eczema, etc., were 1,336, as compared with 791 in 1910.
During the first six months of the year a number of intimations were received
from the Medical Officer (Education) relative to the exclusion of children from the
classes in the infants departments on account of measles. The following were the
schools concerned:—Shap Street, Catherine Street, Trinity Place, Redvers Street
(classrooms D in February, and E and C in March), Chatham Gardens (classroom D
on two occasions in February and July), Scawfell Street, Maidstone Street, Canal
Road (classroom A in April and B in May), Wenlock Road, Laburnum Street and
Hoxton House. The children excluded were those under five years stated not to
have had measles. The fatality of measles is greatest amongst children under five
years. If, therefore, the exclusion of the children referred to helps to postpone
the age of attack it is a reasonable step to take and may help to lessen the heavy
mortality from the disease. The disadvantage of closing classrooms or departments
is that numbers of children who have had measles and therefore not likely to be
attacked again are prevented from attending school. The weak point in connection
with exclusion is the difficulty in being sure that children stated to have had measles
have really had the disease.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
During the year 52 examinations were made by Dr. Bulloch at the London
Hospital Medical School in cases of suspected infectious disease. In 36 the examinations
were for sore throats suspected of being diphtheria; in 8 of these the results
were positive as to the presence of the diphtheria bacillus, and in 28 negative. In 6
instances Widal's tests were made in cases suspected to be enteric fever; positive
results were obtained in two. Ten examinations of sputum from persons suspected
to have consumption were made, with positive results in three.
DISINFECTION.
During 1911 disinfection was carried out by the Sanitary Authority at 1,147
premises, as compared with 1,131 in 1910, 1,103 in 1909, 1,208 in 1908, and 1,688 in
1907. The articles removed and disinfected at the Borough Disinfecting Station
numbered 25,295, as compared with 24,788 in 1910, 26,544 in 1909, 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 during the year included 1,214
beds, 1,211 mattresses, 2,391 pillows, 895 bolsters and 19,584 other articles such as
sheets, blankets, quilts, curtains, carpets, clothing and the like. Included are 118
beds, 138 mattresses, 190 pillows, 66 bolsters and 774 other articles disinfected on