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3. Spit only into a spittoon or cup kept tor the purpose. The cup
should contain a little water or liquid disinfectant. Once a day
clean the cup at the sink with boiling water.
4. Boil all milk before use.
5. Live in the fresh air as much as you possibly can.
(Signed) George Newman, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Finsbury Town Hall,
Rosebery Avenue, E.O.
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 62 were taking precautions. 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 previous reports, 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
where marked.
4. During the year further action has been taken with a view to
preventing the dissemination of the disease in public-houses by
circulars and notices, and notices have been printed advising no
spitting in workshops.
5. We have, of course, adopted many measures for the general
improvement of the health and sanitation of the Borough, which
exert a direct or indirect effect upon this disease, such, for example,
as control of the milk supply, the reduction of overcrowding, the
cleansing of houses and workshops, etc.