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71
I am satisfied that more care is being taken in the Borough as to
these matters. For instance, we have found that out of the total
number of cases, as many as 71 were using spittoons, and 20 others
were using special handkerchiefs of cloth and paper which were
burned after use. This means that nearly half the cases are taking
some measures of precaution, which is certainly a higher proportion
than in former years.
2. Disinfection is offered and in most cases carried out, almost
invariably so after deaths from this disease.
3. Sanitary enquiries are instituted, and a number of sanitary
defects are remedied. It is interesting, however, to observe, as was
pointed out clearly in my last report, (p. 56), that only some 20 to
30 per cent. of the infected houses show marked sanitary defects.
Exposure to infection, rather than insanitation, seems to be the chief
cause of dissemination, though there can be no doubt whatever that
insanitation in its broadest meaning, including lack of personal
hygiene, is the main predisposing cause of the disease. In 39
houses where the disease occurred, dampness, poor light and uncleanliness
were marked.
4. During the year special action has been taken with a view to
preventing the dissemination of the disease in public-houses. The
following letter was sent by me to the owners or occupiers of licensed
premises, numbering 302, and personal visits were paid by the
Chief Inspector:—
Public Health Department,
Finsbury Town Hall,
Rosebery Avenue, E.C.
September, 1904.
Dear Sir,
The Public Health Committee desire me to draw your attention
to the extreme importance of properly cleansing and keeping clean
the floors of public bars in all Licensed Premises, in view of the
wide prevalence of Consumption in Finsbury, the common habit of
spitting on floors in these places, and the consequent danger of this
Infectious Disease being conveyed to yourselves, your servants, and
the public.