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worked early and late as necessity required. The work did not
end with the removal of the patient and the subsequent disinfection
of the premises, after the receipt of the notification
certificate. Numerous suspected cases occurred in which your
Medical Officer was invited to assist in the diagnosis. The
names and addresses of the persons who had been in contact
with patients had to be secured, information at times not easily
obtainable. Between seven and eight hundred persons (contacts)
were kept under daily observation at their homes. Full
particulars are set out in the report. It should be noted that it
was not found necessary to obtain additional assistance to meet
the demands made upon the Department.
I desire to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks
to the Council for the cordial support given to me in my efforts
to prevent the extension of the outbreak, also to the Medical
Practitioners of the district for their unvarying courtesy, and to
the Sanitary Staff for their willing and valuable help.
A spot map, which may be examined in the Office, has
been prepared showing the incidence of the various infectious
diseases during the year within the Borough.
During the period under review the Laboratory was completed,
and I am able to append to this report details of the
year's work under the Food and Drugs Acts.
In my previous Annual Report I stated that the clerical
staff would prove inadequate to cope with the work of the
Department. Since that period the clerical work has greatly
increased and I would ask your early consideration of this
matter. I am also of opinion that there is a necessity for an
additional Sanitary Inspector for house to house inspection.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
A. WELLESLEY HARRIS,
Medical Officer of Health and Public Analyst.
June, 1903.