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30 cases (22 per cent.) the family occupied one room only. In 26 cases
(19 per cent.) the deceased infant had been the first child. Excluding
the latter, in 46 cases out of the remaining 101, previous infantile
deaths had occurred. In one family ten children had previously died
under two years of age. In four cases, two infantile deaths (one in one
instance twins) occurred in the same family within the year. Of the
deoeased infants 15 (11 per oent.) were stated to be illegitimate, two of
which had been entirely handed over to the charge of other people.
Since much of the mortality among infants may be traced to
improper feeding and ignoranoe on the part of the mother, a leaflet
containing simple instructions has been drawn up. In future where it
seems desirable, those houses at which a birth has ocourred will be
visited and a leaflet given to the mother.
Phthisis.
All cases of phthisis voluntarily notified by Medical Practitioners
have been visited. A few cases have also been unofficially reported
from other sources, such as the Charity Organization, and the Hospital
Almoner.
Inquiries were made in eaoh case as to the probable cause of the
disease, the conditions under which the patient was living, and whether
due precautions were being taken to prevent other members of the same
family being infected, &c.
Simple instructions were given as regards ventilation, cleanliness,
and treatment of expeotoration. Where it seemed desirable, pocket
spittoons, fibre handkerchiefs, leaflets of instructions, and disinfectants
were distributed.
The visits, which are repeated at intervals, are paid as far as
possible in a friendly manner rather than officially, in order that the
patients and their friends may understand that all information is
voluntary on their part; also that they may be encouraged to state their
difficulties (if any) in carrying out the necessary precautions.
Other oases suspicious of phthisis have been noted in house to house
visiting. It would seem that in the earlier stages of consumption,
many amongst the very poor neglect to get medical treatment until
such time as the symptoms become acute, and there is inability to
follow the usual employment. The danger of delay is then pointed out.
School Cases.
Measles remained prevalent throughout the summer, especially in
West Chelsea. All premises at which cases of measles were reported
by the schools during the year have been visited, amounting to 251.
This number does not include duplicate notifications, nor more than
one case at each house. The actual number of cases would therefore be
considerably greater. The total number of visits paid was 585. Since
September, all non-notifiable infeotious or contagious cases have been
visited, such as mumps, whooping cough, chicken-pox (when nonnotifiable),
and ringworm.