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60
Plague.
No case of plague occurred during the year.
At the end of the year 1910 the Local Government Board issued
an order relating to the Prevention of Epidemic Diseases, Regulations
as to Plague and Destruction of Rats.
The Medical Officer of the Local Government Board prepared a
Memorandum on Plague, and recommended precautions against rats,
the most important of which are as follows:—1st. Persistently and
systematically destroy all rats. 2nd. Remove and obliterate their nests,
burrows and habitual haunts. 3rd. Make each dwelling as far as
practicable rat-proof, and remove all known harbourage for rats in or
near dwellings. 4th. At the same time do not allow waste of food
(whether for human beings, chickens or other animals) to accumulate
in or about the house.
Chicken Pox.
This disease was, by an Order of the London County Council,
made compulsorily notifiable during the period from 17th March to
30th June. 196 cases were notified. No deaths were ascribed to this
cause.
Anthrax, and Hydrophobia in Man.
One case of anthrax was notified during the year.
One or two somewhat disturbing cases of anthrax in man, traceable
to infected shaving brushes, appeared in the Metropolis last year,
including the one under review, which fortunately recovered.
Suspicion fell upon a shaving brush in the first instance because at
a post-mortem examination it was noted that the small local lesion
came well within the individual's shaving area, which covered a larger
ground than usual. The clue was followed up and the brush was
bacteriologically examined, with the result that it could be definitely
stated that it was infected with anthrax. Further enquiry showed that
other shaving brushes were grossly infected. Subsequent experiments
showed that the infection could be removed to a large extent by thorough
washing, but this process would not appear to give absolute security.
On the facts becoming known, prompt action was taken to secure the
withdrawal of the brushes from the market.
Glanders.
No cases of Glanders were notified during the year.