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136
George Braybrooke informs me that his work while in the
employment of the Curled Hair Manufacturing Co. was confined
to—
1. Washing cowtails, called in the trade " cow docks " ;
and
2. Spinning the dyed hair into ropes.
In view of this statement that he was engaged part of his time
in washing *' cow docks," it is clear that the business cannot have
been confined altogether to the curling process. If this patient's
malady were malignant pustule, and the source of infection was
connected with his work, then probably the " cow docks " were
the offending agent, and as the washing medium was a 5 per cent,
solution of Cyllin. which is competent to destroy anthrax bacilli
in a few minutes, the infection must have taken place during the
transference of the " cow docks " from the sacks into the washing
tanks. The subsequent treatment of the hair is such as to completely
destroy any anthrax bacilli or their spores which may have
survived the cleansing process.
Measures taken for Checking the Spread of the Disease.—At
the time the case was notified, all material which had been handled
by George Braybrooke at his work had been curled and removed
from the premises, and could not be traced. Under these circumstances,
it was not necessary to subject the premises to any disinfecting
process. The clothing and bedding of George Braybrooke
was disinfected by high pressure steam and his room was disinfected
in the usual way.
The Curled Hair Manufacturing Co. have at the time of writing
this report removed their business entirely from the Borough.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. KING WARRY, M.D., D.P.H., &c.,
Medical Officer oj Health.
8th October, 1914.