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129 [1905
NOTIFICATION OF PHTHISIS.
During the year 81 cases of Phthisis were notified by medical practitioners
in Islington, of which 13 were forwarded by men holding public positions.
In addition to these, 42 cases came under observation through the kindness
of the Relieving Officers, so that altogether 123 cases came to the knowledge of
the Public Health Department.
It must be confessed that the number of notifications received from
medical men is somewhat disappointing. Nevertheless, as there is no compulsion,
we must be thankful for even the number that has been notified.
In every instance enquiries were made at the home, and the following
paper containing hints for the prevention of consumption was left with the
invalids or with their parents or guardians.
PRECAUTIONS RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION BY
CONSUMPTIVE PERSONS.
CONSUMPTION is an INFECTIOUS and PREVENTABLE
ailment, and it is generally spread by inhaling the spit or expectoration,
which contains the germs of the disease, of a person suffering from
consumption.
The following precautions are, therefore, recommended to be adopted
by consumptives:—
1.—Expectoration indoors should be received into a cup or pocket
spittoon, or into pieces of paper that can be at once burnt.
2.—Expectoration out of doors should be received into pieces of rag,
or paper handkerchiefs, which can be burnt, or into a pocket
spittoon, but spitting on the footpaths should on no account be
practised.
3.—The contents of the spittoon or cup should be poured down the
water closet, and the spittoon or cup should be then disinfected
by filling it with boiling water, and afterwards washing it in a
disinfectant.
K