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114
is spread. It is believed, further, that the organism exists in the
soil, and that its development is dependent on two factors—a high
atmospheric temperature and deficient rainfall.
That there are other factors equally, if not even more so,
important is apparent from an inspection of the mortal statistics
from the disease in different localities in the Borough. These
factors are associated with insanitary conditions prevailing in the
homes—e.g., dirt, destitution, bad housing, etc. In those parts
of the Borough, therefore, where these conditions are more or less
present, the death rate, as is to be expected, will be found to be
greater than in those in which the standard of comfort and living
are higher.
To sum up, therefore, summer Diarrhoea of infants is dependent
on certain factors, or, rather, a combination of them,
viz., an exciting cause—i.e., the presence of a specific microbe or
germ, the development of which is influenced favourably or
adversely, according as the meteorological conditions are either
warm and dry or cold and wet ; and predisposing causes, viz.,
those associated with defective hygienic conditions.
In considering, therefore, the preventive measures for dealing
with this scourge of infant life in towns and cities, it is to the
predisposing causes that Sanitary Authorities have to direct their
attention. The removal, therefore, of conditions which prepare
the way for the reception of the germ, and provide a suitable soil
for its rapid development, is the prime essential to be aimed at.
In connection with the preventive measures which are carried
out in Battersea, this has been fully recognised by the Health
Committee. These preventive measures are general and special.
The general measures include house-to-house inspection for the
removal of insanitary conditions, especially in those parts of the
district most requiring attention ; the paving of side streets with
impervious material, which in past Annual Reports I have shown
has been followed by satisfactory results in this connection ; rigid
supervision and systematic inspection of milk shops, and the enforcement
of the Sale of Food and Drugs and the Public Health
Acts for the protection of the food supply, etc. ; and special visits