London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Lambeth 1905

Report on the vital and sanitary statistics of the Borough of Lambeth during the year 1905

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121
Two cases occurred in the Probation Ward, viz., Alice Noyes
and Charles Thompson.
The Infirmary and Receiving Wards were also placed in
quarantine, though in the latter case the quarantine was broken
from time to time by the admission from the Lambeth Workhouse
of Bridget Archer and others up to June 19th, when, on the
advice of the Medical Officer of Health, all admissions into the
Receiving Ward were absolutely forbidden.
All visiting was stopped, and all passes out for the children
were countermanded, whilst even the use of the swimming bath
and fountains (in the Grounds) was prevented, the cups of the
fountains being actually taken away.
All drains were examined, and found to be in good order
and condition.
The milk supplied to the Schools was tested and found to
be satisfactory.
Disinfection was carefully carried out by the Borough Council—
all infected and suspected clothes being disinfected at the Borough
Council's Station—the Guardians, as already stated, having failed
to supply an efficient disinfecting machine at the Schools.*
It may be mentioned that 2 to 3 months previous to the
outbreak, the Guardians' Medical Officer had removed enlarged
tonsils from many of the children, a salutary provision that
doubtless prevented the disease from spreading in a severe
form.
Bacteriological Examinations.
The Diphtheria Outbreak is noteworthy for the very large
number of bacteriological examinations (1332) carried out, and
their proved value in connection with the investigation of such
outbreak. Without these bacteriological examinations the source
of the outbreak would not have been so successfully traced, and
its further spread so effectually prevented. The amount of work
A total of 26,231 Articles of Bedding, &c., from the Norwood Schools were
disinfected at the Borough Council's Disinfecting Station at Wanless Road,
as follows:—Beds 388; Bolsters 201; Pillows 675; Mattresses 446;
Clothing 11,118; Blankets 2,374; Sheets 2,371; Quilts 1,296; Extra
Articles 7,362 ; Total, 26,231.