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grave matter that a disease of a preventibl character should
be accountable for eighty-one deaths in a year. As, however,
I have stated in previous reports it is not Measles per se that
is so fatal but the complications resulting from want of care
and attention in the convalescent stages of the disease. It
is practically impossible in the absence of notification to
ascertain the extent or locality of outbreaks nor to deal with
the question of isolation. Judging, however, from the recorded
mortality, Measles was most prevalent in the first quarter of
the year when forty or nearly one-halt of the deaths occurred.
Concerning notification, frequent efforts have been made by
this, supported by other sanitary authorities, to render the
same compulsory and in April last, with a view to further
combined action, the views of the whole of the Local Authorities
were sought and the replies are here summarised :—
Summary of replies from Vestries and District Boards
as to inclusion of Measles in the list of notifiable
infectious diseases.
Chelsea. —Vestry have suggested to the L.C.C. the desirability
of Measles being declared a dangerous infectious
disease.
Fulham. —The Vestry some time since communicated with
the L.C.C. on the matter, who, it is believed, have the
question still under consideration.
Lambeth. —Vestry of opinion that Measles should be placed
within the category of " dangerous infectious diseases,"
but notification should not be made compulsory.
St. Giles. —Board have been continually in correspondence
with Local Government Board, and they think that if any
further action is taken it should be by communicating
with the L.C.C. rather than with the Board.