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77
other appliances, to the satisfaction of the local Sanitary Authority,
and must have her clothing thoroughly disinfected before going to
another labour. Unless otherwise directed by the supervising
authority, all washable clothing should be boiled, and other clothing
should be sent to be stoved (by the local Sanitary Authority), and
then exposed freely to the open air for several days."
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
This serious affection which attacks the eyes of newly-born infants
is caused by the entrance of certain bacteria into the eyes usually at
the time of birth, and if proper treatment is not applied immediately
the eyes are permanently damaged and the child is rendered blind
for life.
The extent to which this disease is prevalent in this country is
shown by the statements made by well-known authorities that over
one-third of the inmates of schools for the blind lost their sight as
a result of this disease. On the other hand, it is no less certain that,
if this disease is brought under efficient treatment when the symptoms
first make their appearance, the eyes can be saved from serious injury,
and the sight preserved.
Sixteen cases were notified during the year, and were visited by
the Health Visitors. Six of the cases were in the East Ward, six
in the North Ward, two in the North-West Ward, one in the South
Ward, and one in the South-West Ward.
Spotted Fever.
EPIDEMIC CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS.
Posterior basal meningitis is included in the term "cerebro-spinal
fever," but does not include meningitis due to tuberculosis, syphilis,
middle ear disease, and injury.
No cases of this complaint were notified in the borough, but we
have received notifications from the County Council of cases occurring
in other Metropolitan Boroughs.
Cerebro-spinal fever and poliomyelitis are now subject to compulsory
notification. Poliomyelitis shows a well-marked seasonal
incidence, there being a great increase during the hot months. It is also
relatively more common in the urban districts, although this may be
due to the cases being frequently treated in hospitals.