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51
source of infection. It appears from these investigations that 55
of the 77 (or 71.4 per cent.) contracted their infection at home from
elder children in the same families (10 from children in their third
year, 18 from children in their fourth year, and 27 from children
in their fifth year). Most of these infecting children attended
Infant School.
Preventive Measures.—Every case of the disease of
which we have been cognizant, has been visited and inquiries
made as to sanitary conditions, etc. In almost every case
we have also carried out disinfection of dwellings, bedding,
clothing, etc., the exceptions being houses in which the
occupiers carried out their own disinfection. The school of
SS. Peter and Paid, in Rosoman Street, was partly closed, and
disinfected by us on account of measles. The following card of
instructions has been widely distributed by the inspectors and also
by the superintendents of model dwellings to whom I have sent
large numbers:—
MEASLES.
1. Measles is very prevalent in Finsbury at the present time.
2. It is a dangerous infectious disease. More children die of
Measles and of Whooping Cough than of all the other infectious
diseases added together. In all cases therefore, Measles requires
careful nursing. Medical advice should be obtained.
3. Children and other persons suffering from Measles must not now
go to school or public meetings of any kind; nor may they now
mix with other children or persons; nor may they travel by train
or any public conveyance (under penalty of £5.) They must be
kept at home isolated from other persons until free from all
infection.
4. Rooms and clothing must be disinfected by the Sanitary Authority
after Measles as after Diphtheria and Scarlet Fever.
(Signed) GEORGE NEWMAN, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Finsbury Town Hall,
Rosebery Avenue, E.C., 1904.