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large numbers of the bacillus of Gaertner. It would appear probable that
this organism was present in the mutton or the bacon when cooked,
without there being any naked eye signs indicative of its presence. The
temperature applied during the process of cooking must have failed to
destroy the bacillus, which in all probability multiplied extensively
whilst the meat was stored, between the cooking on the 25th and its
consumption on the 28th September. It is possible to account for the
fact that all those who partook of the implicated food were not rendered
ill, by the supposition that the infective organisms were not equally
distributed throughout, portions of the meat having escaped bacillary
invasion.
A careful inspection of the Home on the 2nd October revealed
nothing to indicate that the bacilli of Gaertner were introduced into the meat
subsequent to its reception from the tradesmen supplying it. There had
been no diarrhœal or any other kind of illness in the institution prior to
the outbreak on the 29th September. The sanitary arrangements of the
Home are modern and kept in good order, and the premises generally are
clean, airy, and well ventillated, the supervision and management being
very capably performed.
Cerebrospinal Fever.—No cases of this disease were notified in
Chelsea in 1909. Eleven deaths were registered amongst Chelsea
residents as being due to non-tubercular meningitis, 7 of these being of
children under 5 years of age. In 1908 only 4 deaths were attributed to
this cause.
In London, during the year 1909, 110 cases of cerebro-spinal fever
were notified, as against 85 cases in 1908. Fifteen deaths were registered
as due to this disease during the year, the case-mortality being 13.6 per
cent., as compared with 11.8 per cent. in 1908.
Puerperal Fever.—Two cases of this disease were notified in Chelsea
in 1909, as compared with 3 in 1908. Only 1 death was registered as
due to this disease. Under an arrangement made with the London
County Council, the authority for administering the Midwives' Act,
means are now provided by the Chelsea Public Health Department for
disinfecting the clothing and instruments of any certified midwife that
may be in attendance on a case, as well as the bedding and room occupied
by the patient.
Measles.— In February, by order of the Medical Officer (Education,
L.C.C.), all the unprotected children in Class-room I. of the Marlboroughroad
School were excluded for a week ; in June, a similar order was
made for four days in respect of Class-room B in the same school; and on
the 5th July all unprotected children in Class-room I. of the School were
excluded until after the summer holidays. Holy Trinity School in Upper
George-street was also closed during part of February on account of the
prevalence of measles.
Notification of Phthisis.
During the year 1909, 5 cases of phthisis were voluntarily notified
by private medical practitioners. The following Table shows the number
of notifications received under the Public Health (Tuberculosis)
Regulations, 1908.