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47
As a further result of the limited accommodation for isolation
in Hospital the infectious cases nursed at home numbered at one time
99. With foci of communicable diseases approaching that number
scattered throughout the district, it is not to be wondered at that the
epidemic became practically uncontrollable; and it is probable that
many suffered who might have been spared had accommodation commensurate
with Tottenham's needs been available. It does not suffice
that a community of the size and importance of Tottenham shall be
dependent for its safety and protection from infectious diseases upon
100 beds, and thereafter upon what accommodation the Metropolitan
Asylums Board may be generous enough to allow. What is necessary
is a Hospital of Tottenham's own. The cost to the Parish by failing
to provide for the infectious sick cannot be estimated in monetary
terms. There is the loss of life and the permanent impairment of
health, and there is the further danger that should not be lost sight
of, that a disease like Diphtheria may become endemic, that is, it
may become attached to the locality. Instances of children carrying
the germs in apparently healthy throats have been brought to light,
and on tracing them to their homes and elsewhere it has been found
that they have been in close association with others who contracted
the disease in a virulent form.
As a further measure of precaution, I would commend to the
consideration of the Council the suggestion to provide premises to
which families in humble circumstances may be removed temporarily,
while their homes are being cleansed and disinfected.
An Inspector of Nuisances attends at the Town Hall, The Green,
every evening between the hours of 8 and 9 to attend to notifications
of infectious diseases.
The name and address of the Inspector on duty for the week
is posted at the entrance to the Town Hall, and when the offices are
closed, urgent notifications sent to the address given will receive
immediate attention.
SCARLET FEVER.
Return Cases:—25 cases were traced to patients returning from
hospital, some with discharging ears or noses, or who were desquamating.