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107
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHOLERA AND DIARRHŒA
It is most important, in view of the possibility of an outbreak of Cholera, that owners
and keepers of houses should be more than ordinarily careful in the management of
their property, thus supporting the Sanitary Inspectors in the diligent performance of
their duties. I advise:—
1.—That everywhere the utmost cleanliness should be enforced in respect to the condition
of all areas, basements, cellars, kitchens, yards, and other damp and dark places, and
that all rubbish, dirt, dust, and other offensive matters should be carefully, completely
and regularly removed. (Complaints of non-removal of dust, &c., to be addressed to
the Public Health Department, Vestry Hall, Islington.)
2.—That the closets, drains and sinks of houses should be kept in a proper condition.
3.—That the water butts and cisterns be kept free from sedimentary accumulations, and
maintained in such a state as that the water shall be sweet and wholesome. And
further, that the water used for drinking purposes should be recently boiled.
4.—That the water furnished by pumps and surface wells should be avoided for drinking
purposes.
6.—That the interior of houses occupied by the poor shall be, in all needful cases,
thoroughly cleansed and whitewashed.
6.—That in case of an attack of Diarrhoea, especially if it be without pain, immediate advice
should be sought, either from the Medical attendant of the family, or from the Medical
Officer, appointed by the Guardians for the District.
7—That it is imperatively needful that all discharges from the body should be immediately
disinfected and rendered innocuous by the addition to them of a table spoonful of
Chloride of Zinc or common Carbolic Acid.
8.—That all soiled clothing should immediately have boiling water poured upon it.
9.—That a handful of Carbolic Powder, or Chloride of Lime, or Sanitas Powder, be
placed three times a week in the dust-bins, water-closets, or privies.
10.—That all vegetable refuse should be at once burned, and should never be put into
the dust-bin.
11—That fermented liquors should be used in moderation.
12.—That unripe or unsound fruit should be avoided.
13.—That fish, unless quite fresh, should not be eaten.
14.—That the food of infants should be chiefly milk, which should always be boiled before
use, and, if the child be not hand-fed, should be given in scrupulously clean feeding
bottles.
ALFRED E. HARRIS,
Medical Officer of Health.