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63
(d) Methods of Prevention.
1.—There appears now to he almost indisputable evidence that
the chief cause of epidemic diarrhœa in infants is inappropriate
feeding. If infants were breast fed, and therefore nourished on
milk (a) which is suited to their physical requirement, and
(6) which is sterile, we should get very little, if any, epidemic
diarrhœa. The influences of season and uncleanliness would
appear to be indirect influences affecting the quality of milk and
food other than human milk. Therefore the great requirement is
the breast feeding of infants, and where that is really impossible
the provision of modified pure milk.
Elsewhere will be found particulars of the establishment of an
Infants' Milk Depot in the Borough (see p. 115).
2.—Secondly, there is an evident need for teaching mothers the
right methods of rearing children, as much negligence occurs
owing to ignorance. For this purpose it is important to visit the
homes in which new births have taken place, rather than make
enquiry only into deaths of infants. We are endeavouring just
now in Finsbury to carry out this work.
3.—Thirdly, something should be done in teaching girls the
elements of domestic hygiene and infant management.
4.—Fourthly, there can be no doubt that the effectual and
frequent cleansing of streets, courts and alleys, and the maintenance
of cleanliness and good sanitary conditions in houses and tenements
requires the continued attention of the Borough Council.
PHTHISIS.
The Voluntary Notification of Phthisis. — The
number of notifications of Phthisis remain about the same. The
system of voluntary notification was adopted in this district in
October, 1900. In 1901 there were 70 notifications; in 1902, 121;
in 1903, 219; and in 1904, 210, as follows :—