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Probable Source. -In 19 instances the infection was derived
from previous cases in the same family, in another 16 there was
reason to believe that the disease had been contracted by visiting
cases in the same house and in houses in the vicinity. In 10
persons the disease was probably contracted from schoolfellows
while in school or on the way home.
Four patients had been infected when visiting the houses of
friends or relatives—two others by attending- places of entertainment
just previously to their illness. One patient had caught the
disease while sitting by a scarlet fever patient awaiting examination
in the out-patient department of a general hospital.
One case of scarlet fever was not discovered until 16 days after
the rash had appeared. The patient was then peeling.
Three developed scarlet fever while detained in hospital for
other causes. These are called cross infections and occur when
a patient is being treated in hospital for one disease and contracts
another disease having been infected from some other hospital
patient.
They occur in nearly all fever hospitals and are a serious blemish
upon their administration.
All the houses where cases occurred were visited and inspected.
Nuisances that called for remedy were made the subject of
notice and amendment. The rooms, the bedding and the clothing
were disinfected.
There were 5 return cases.
Cases discharged from Home.—In Finsbury every case discharged
from the fever hospital is visited soon after return home
and carefully examined. The possibility of further infection is
explained to the mother, suitable measures suggested, and a
leaflet of instruction left with her.