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they are predisposed, either by inheritance, by impaired
health, by alcoholism, or by living in insanitary conditions,
such as overcrowding.
It is also practically impossible to treat consumptives in the
same way as people suffering from Scarlet Fever, nor is it
necessary. But, accepting these limitations, there remains the
fact that a large proportion of the public are predisposed, and
that it is an easy and simple matter to take certain very
effective steps for preventing the spread of infection, notably
the disinfection of the sputa of those affected.
39. In view of the above considerations, which I put
before the Health Committee in October last, the Committee
requested me to prepare a handbill of precautions against
the infection of Phthisis. This I did, and have had them
printed and circulated, medical men, nurses, and others
coming in contact with phthisical patients, having kindly
undertaken to distribute them. A copy of these precautions
is appended to the Report.
40. Two years ago, the Health Committee decided to supply
disinfectants gratis for use in Phthisis, and to disinfect the
rooms which had been occupied by consumptives after their
death or removal. I am sorry to say that neither of these
opportunities is made as much use of as could be wished,
partly on account of its not being generally known that
they exist, partly from the necessity of such measures not
being sufficiently recognized. If the cases of Phthisis were
known to the sanitary officials, a bill of precautions might
be left at each house, giving instructions as to disinfection, &c.
It is very desirable that medical men and others should
voluntarily give notice to the Vestry of cases of Phthisis as
they occur.