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164
1906]
INFECTIOUS DISEASES ON BUSINESS PREMISES.
As usual, a very careful note was made during the year as to the nature of
the businesses that were carried on in houses in which the notifiable infectious
diseases occurred, and inquiry revealed the fact that in 252 instances the
occupiers pursued a trade of some description.
This subject has assumed more importance than formerly, because the
Factory and Workshops Act makes it a penal offence for the occupier to make,
cleanse, or repair any wearing apparel in any dwelling house or building
wherein there is a case of Scarlet Fever or Small Pox; consequently the
Inspectors are always on the alert to see that these provisions of the Act are
not contravened. Apart from its requirements, it is of importance that no
businesses should be conducted on premises in which a case of any dangerous
infectious disease has occurred, when there is not complete and thorough
isolation, a safeguard which is not frequently found.
Scarlet Fever.—This infection was noted as being present in 156 business
houses. Among the trades carried on were the making of artificial flowers
boxes, boots, blouses, belts, confectionery, dresses, mantles, embroidery,
tobacco, and many other articles, while in others milk was sold, hair was
dressed, wood was cut and many other businesses as set out in Table CXI.
Diphtheria was notified from 40 premises whereon businesses were
conducted.
In all these cases the businesses were suspended where there was a
possibility of the goods being infected, until the premises had been disinfected,
and the suspected articles had been removed to the Disinfecting Station for
sterilization.