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185
[1903
One can so easily appreciate how readily goods from many of these premises
might convey infection to the public that it is unnecessary to enlarge on the
subject. There is, however, another view of the question, and that is the danger
to persons calling at the business premises, because of the fact that many a
mother or woman attendant acts at a time of illness in the dual capacity of
shop-attendant and nurse; and even where she does not so act, but proposes
only to look after the business, it is found that she is constantly backwards and
forwards between the sick room and the shop. Of course she is ! Her maternal
or womanly feelings compels her, so that even if she would, she could not, keep
away from the patient. In such cases as these the best, indeed the only, place
for the patient is the hospital, and therefore every energy is strained by the
Public Health Department to induce the parents or guardians to permit
his removal thither. This has generally been satisfactorily accomplished ;
although at times it requires great persuasion and even entreaty before they will
give their consent. One of the greatest objections to the removal, apart from
parental feelings, is that the public might see the ambulance at the door, and
that consequently their business would suffer. (Vide Table CVII.)
Occupations of Persons Attacked.—The occupations of the persons
attacked have been noted during the year as usual. The full statement is given
in Table CVIII. The list is instructive.
Small Pox infected a Barman, a Boxmaker, a Factory Hand, a
Laundress, a Metal Worker, and a Packer.
Scarlet Fever attacked persons, besides very many children, following
the undermentioned occupations:—Accountant, Bookkeeper, Butcher, Barmaid,
Bootmaker, Clerk, Carman, Clergyman, Grocer, Labourer, Messenger, Nurse,
Porter, Pork Butcher, Postman, Packer and Solicitor.
Diphtheria was noted among Butchers, Bootmakers, Boxmakers, Confectioners,
Dressmakers, Drapers, General Dealers, Hairdressers, Laundresses,
Manglers, Milk Dealers, Newsagents, Stablemen and Tobacconists, in addition
to many other tradespeople.
Enteric Fever attacked 13 persons following various occupations.
Erysipelas infected 24 persons engaged in various employments.