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Preventive Measures against Phthisis.— The measures
recommended at present for the prevention of phthisis include
isolation of the affected for their own benefit, as well as for the
protection. of otters; education of the sick and others, as to the
infectious nature of the disease and as to the precautions to be taken
both by the infected and the uninfected; and disinfection of infected
rooms and articles.
In Finsbury, as in London generally, there being no special provision
made by the Local Authority for isolation of Phthisis cases, the
efforts at prevention are in the direction of education and disinfection.
As a preliminary to all steps, of course, there is notification of the
cases. Visits are paid by the inspectors to all houses from which
cases are notified, unless a special request is made by the medical
practitioner notifying that no visit should be made.
At his visit each inspector obtains particulars as to the notified
person, inquires into the sanitary condition of the house, and so on.
Instruction as to the best method of disposing of infected expectoration,
etc., is given, and disinfection of the rooms, clothing, and of
the other articles belonging to the patient, is arranged for.