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29
As mentioned above, the exceptional nature of the
summer weather necessitated special measures being taken
to prevent, as far as possible, its effect on infant life.
Accordingly, in July, the following hints on a card were
drawn up and posted to the parent of every child under one
year of age in the district :—
Precautions against Summer Diarrhcea in Infants.
1. Hot weather is very likely to cause fatal Diarrhoea
in infants.
2. Flies are apt to carry the infection of Diarrhcea.
3. All windows should be kept open day and night, so
as to obtain as much fresh air as possible.
4. Infants fed by hand are more likely to suffer from
Diarrhcea than infants fed on the breast.
5. All milk should be boiled before use.
6. All vessels used for storing milk must be kept scrupulously
clean, and covered with a clean cloth to
keep out the flies and dust.
7. Feeding bottles and teats must be kept in clean cold
water.
8. When asleep, a muslin curtain should be spread over
the baby, to prevent the flies settling on the child's
mouth.
9. If the baby shows any signs of Indigestion or
Diarrhoea, no milk should be given for 24 hours,
but a little plain barley or rice water instead; if the
Diarrhcea then continues, medical advice should at
once be obtained.
In addition, Miss Radford, the Health Visitor, devoted
special attention and care to those children requiring it.
Judging by the results, and comparing them with other