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82
Food Poisoning.
In July enquiries were made in consequence of the somewhat sudden death
of a man aged 57 at a hotel in the area. He suffered from symptoms identical to
those of food poisoning, and eventually the enquiries threw a suspicion on some
trout which he had consumed at a meal at another hotel in another district the
previous evening, twelve to fourteen hours previous to his death.
A "charred wood odour "was complained of, but this was possibly due to
the trout having been grilled.
The trout were received in a live condition daily and were put into a large
tank before they were required for cooking. Some had died in the tank during
the day but they were not used, and even these when taken out and examined
were found to be quite fresh and in good condition; probably the change of
temperature of the water, or want of air in the water during transport to the hotel
was the cause of their death. No preservative was used in connection with the
fish. The deceased partook of hors d'œuvres which probably consisted of sardines,
potato salad, tinned vegetables, including peas and beans, which were apparently
coppered but were exonerated.
The kitchens, larders, etc., of the hotel were all clean and well conducted.
I am indebted to Dr. F. J. Allan, Medical Officer of Health of Westminster,
for information with regard to the circumstances under which the food was
partaken. The verdict returned at the inquest was to the effect that the deceased
died of heart failure, fatty degeneration of heart muscle and acute enteritis
consequent on some unknown bacterial invasion of the body.
Other Propaganda Leaflets, etc.
Arrangements were made with the co-operation of the Library Committee for
the publication of two bookmarks, one for adults and one for children. On the
front information was given as to health and educational facilities afforded by the
Council. On the back of the bookmark for adults information was contained
respecting diphtheria antitoxin and the arrangements for the prevention of
diphtheria by immunisation. The back of the children's bookmark contained
hints to boys and girls on how to keep healthy.
A revised leaflet on the care of teeth was issued especially for expectant and
nursing mothers.
International Hygiene.
During the earlier part of the year the Council allowed me to accept the
invitation of the League of Nations Health Section to study health institutions
in Paris, Austria and Geneva over a period of six weeks in company with four
English and some twenty-five foreign colleagues. We spent the time profitably;
and from intercourse with our foreign colleagues were able to form impressions of
the degree to which Public Health had progressed in their various countries,
supplementing knowledge already obtained through previous visits abroad, both
private and to Conferences and association with international students in our own
office and at Bedford College, Regent's Park. In Austria the general outline of
Public Health work appeared to be as advanced as ours, a striking number of