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70
to Measles, for this disease is often complicated with bronchitis
or other respiratory disease, and hence some deaths due to
Measles are entered in the returns as due to bronchitis, &c.
Measles and Whooping Cough—both of which are looked upon
generally as slight ailments—caused more deaths in Finsbury
(namely, 155) during 1902 than all the other infectious diseases
put together.
In accordance with the regulations of the London School
Board, we have received certificates from the School Teachers
informing us of 432 cases of Measles (see page 216).
It may be pointed out that the remedy for this state of things
lies most largely in the hands of parents and others having the
care of children. There are strong reasons against the inclusion
of Measles under the notification clauses of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1891, and hospital provision for this disease is at
present impossible. Careful nursing of individual cases and
closure of Infants' Departments of schools during an outbreak,
coupled with disinfection when necessary, seem to be the best
methods of reducing the high death-rate from this disease.
Early in 1901, the London County Council enquired as to
whether the London Boroughs were in favour of extending to
Sanitary Authorities the power to apply to Measles, when
necessary, the provisions contained in any or all of certain
sections of the Public Health (London") Act, 1891, which give
powers as follows
Section 60 gives power to Sanitary Authorities to require disinfection
and cleansing of infected premises, etc.
Section 61 provides for disinfection of bedding, clothing, etc.
Section 62 prohibits the casting of infected rubbish into ashpits, without
previous disinfection.
Section 63 prohibits letting houses in which infected persons have been
living, without disinfection.
Section 64 provides a penalty on persons who make false statements as
to infectious disease, in letting houses.