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effective the existing powers with regard to the control of this
disease, the chief of which was the compulsory notification and
the provision of nursing services.
In 1924 this Council considered the question of making
measles notifiable, but decided that it was not desirable to follow
this course. It was resolved, however, to leave a card containing
information on what to do in the event of measles occurring in
the home at every house from which a notification of birth was
received.
On the reverse side of this card similar hints are given concerning
whooping cough.
In 1925, 1,557 cases of measles were visited by the women
Sanitary Inspectors. The deaths numbered 15, as compared
with 72 recorded for the previous year.
Influenza.
A severe epidemic of influenza occurred at the end of 1921,
and was responsible for 158 deaths during the following year.
The highest mortality occurred in the ages groups 45-65 and
65 and upwards, although 38 deaths were recorded between the
ages of 20 to 45. In the following year the number of deaths
fell to 25, and in 1924 the deaths attributed to this cause was 46,
and last year they numbered 41.
All known cases were visited by the Sanitary Inspectors, who
advised as to isolation, disinfection, etc. Nursing assistance was
provided in all cases where the necessity arose. Pneumonia continues
to be one of the most fatal illnesses. No age group is
immune to the disease. Public Health measures seem to have
had little effect in preventing the dissemination of infection, and
it would appear that the only hope of reducing the mortality from
this cause is by the prompt removal of those cases to hospital
where the home surroundings are unfavourable for proper nursing
attention.
Diarrhoea and Enteritis.
Much has been done in recent years by the issue of pamphlets,
posters and other means to direct public attention to the dangers
of neglect of the elementary rules of hygiene in relation to the
general health of the people. In particular, the prevention of
summer diarrhoea in children has specially received attention. In
1921 the Ministry of Health issued a Circular to Local Authorities
on the prevention of epidemic diarrhoea, in which was urged the
importance of attention to domestic cleanliness, frequent removal
of refuse and excreta, the careful storage of food, the destruction
of flies and the clearance of their haunts. It is true that the
most favourable material for the hatching of flies' eggs has been
greatly lessened by the gradual passing away of horse traffic in
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