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INFLUENZA.
Influenza was the cause of 17 deaths as against 21 for the
previous year.
PHTHISIS, CONSUMPTION OR TUBERCULOSIS.
That this disease is contagious, i.e., communicable from
person to person is now a recognised fact. It is due to what is
known as a germ or microbe, called the bacillus tuberculosis,
which is known to flourish in unhealthy and unwholesome
conditions of life; therefore our attention should be directed to
procure pure air, sanitary dwellings, good food, warm clothing,
all milk should be boiled and meat well cooked. As Sir William
Broadbent has said, "If we could ensure the destruction of all
sputa of the sufferers from Phthisis, and secure a supply of
milk and meat absolutely free from tubercle bacilli, all the
diseases due to Tuberculosis, which now cause one-seventh or
one-eighth of the total number of deaths, would cease from the
land."
In all cases of removal of a consumptive person from one
house to another, or after death of a consumptive patient,
application should be made to the Medical Officer of Health
to have the rooms, carpets, rugs, bedding, clothing, etc.,
disinfected, which is done free of cost.
The following hints should be observed by consumptive
patients—not to spit about the house, workshop, or any other
place. Spitting in the street is a dangerous habit; spit only
into a covered cup, spittoon, or wide-mouthed bottle kept for
the purpose, to which some disinfectant fluid has been added;
to use such articles for wiping the mouth as can be burnt or
placed in boiling water; not to swallow the spit. The spit when
it becomes dry is carried about in the air and is very dangerous.
Sleeping rooms should be well ventilated, well lighted and free
from damp.
Fresh air and sunlight kills the germs of consumption.
Cleanliness and temperance are all-important.
Milk should be boiled and meat well cooked.