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ANTHRAX.
During the year one case of anthrax was notified and subsequently
proved fatal. The case was diagnosed clinically and
confirmed bacteriologically, and the infection almost certainly was
conveyed by pickled lamb skins imported from Alexandria. A
shaving scratch on the side of the neck was apparently infected
during the repacking of a cask which had broken.
Another case of anthrax occurred in which the Public Health
Departments of this borough and of Southwark were both concerned
although the patient, who recovered, did not live in either
borough. In this case the infection was traced to Manchurian
horse hair which had been imported more than a year previously.
The two departments co-operated most effectively, and were
greatly assisted by the principals of the firm concerned who voluntarily
tarily surrendered the incriminated horse hair for destruction.
DISINFECTION.
The figures showing the work done in the disinfecting station
are set out below. For many years it has been the custom in
this borough to insist on the disinfection of premises and articles
exposed to infection in all cases of notifiable infectious disease,
regard being had as far as possible to the convenience of the
householder. Rooms are sealed for disinfection and beds, bedding
clothes and other articles are brought into the station for
treatment.
Beds 843
Pillows (cases) 2,043
Quilts 1,573
Blankets 2,648
Bolsters 761
Sheets 2,098
„ (cases) 389
Furniture 3,531
Miscellaneous 9,037
Books 169
Cushions 214
Verminous Clothing 1,198
Mattresses 17
Bedding 18,222
Overlays 893
Scabies, Clothing 29,090
Pillows 2,230
42,348 new tabs were used to replace those taken off
mattresses, palliasses, and cushions before disinfection.
Number of rooms disinfected 3,104
Number of mattresses and other articles destroyed 1,899
Furniture, Floorcloth, etc. destroyed 69 Loads