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33
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND MEASURES
TAKEN TO PREVENT THEIR SPREADING.
During the year 498 cases of Infectious Disease were notified ; they
represent 447 infected houses.
Following upon notification each house invaded was visited, and
enquiries made as to the probable sources of infection. This work was
mainly entrusted to Miss Lamb, an experienced nurse, holding the
Sanitary Institute's Certificate.
Cases of Erysipelas were undertaken by the Male Inspectors, as was
the subsequent examination of all the premises.
All the Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria patients isolated at the Sanatorium
were removed under the care of the Nurse, as were many of the
Typhoids. Typhoid patients were mainly accommodated at the Whipps
Cross lnfirmary, or at the local General Hospital.
Cases of Erysipelas are seldom removed to Hospital, except by the
Poor Law Authorities.
Full instructions, verbally and in writing as to the precautions to be
taken against the spreading of infection, are given to the persons in
charge of home-nursed cases. This is supplemented by re-visits by
Miss Lamb to ensure that the instructions given are carried out.
Where necessary or desirable, Medical Officers of other districts
are notified of the possibility of infection spreading through other
members of the family.
Children from infected homes and contacts are not permitted to
attend the day or Sunday Schools for varying periods. The Superintendents
of the latter invariably co-operate in this exclusion.
At the beginning of each school term the Head Teachers were
advised to examine the children for any signs of recent illness indicative
of Scarlet Fever or Diphtheria, and all suspects were excluded until
seen by me.
Graphic records are kept to show the incidence of diseases at
each school, and when necessary particular class-rooms are visited, and
children with suspicious symptoms are excluded. Disinfection of the
cloak-rooms of the Elementary Schools is carried out during the holidays
and at other times if considered necessary.
The provisions as to work in infected dwellings are enforced in
accordance with Factory and Workshop Act of 1901.
Following removal or recovery, disinfection was carried out by the
Council's employees, under the supervision of Mr. West, and all infected
clothing, bedding, etc., were treated by steam under pressure.
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