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43
generally as slight ailments—caused more deaths in Finsbury
(namely, 121) during 1903 than all the other infectious diseases
put together.
It made 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 6o 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 infectious 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.
Section 65 provides for a penalty on persons ceasing to occupy premises
without disinfection or notice to owner or making false answer.
Section 68 prohibits the exposure of infected persons and things.
Section 69 prohibits infected persons from carrying on any occupation
likely to spread the disease.
Section 70 prohibits the conveyance of infected persons by public
conveyance.
Section 72 prohibits the retention of the body of a person who has died
of any dangerous infectious disease.
Section 73 provides for the body of a person who has died in hospital of
any dangerous infectious disease being removed only for burial.