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87
factory had not been infected from bales previously worked
with.
In both samples the sludge was extraordinarily foul."
His negative findings did not prove that the feathers were
not infected. Of course, it is realised that if the feathers
were generally infected, cases of Anthrax of the Pneumonic
form would occur. I made inquiries as to this and found no
evidence in support.
From the general health point of view, the occupation must,
in my opinion, be very unhealthy, owing to the large amount
of dust, and that of a very objectionable kind.
No precautions appeared to be taken by the workers for
their protection against inhalation of dust. I was informed
by the manager that they objected to wearing masks for this
purpose. Many of the workers looked unhealthy, coughed
a good deal and appeared to be bronchitic. I think the wearing
of masks should be compulsory in this and similar dusty
occupations.
Although the Anthrax bacillus was not found by the Pathologist,
spore-bearing organisms of the bacillus of malignant
(Edema and the bacillus Welchii were very plentiful, and
killed the animals used in the experiment.
Hydrophobia.—No case was reported as duo to Hydrophobia,
as against no case in the previous year.
Rabies Order, 1919.—No case of Rabies in dogs occurred
in the Borough.
Glanders.—No case was reported as due to Glanders, as
against no case in the previous year.
Measles and German Measles.—Seven hundred and
twelve cases of Measles and German Measles were notified
against six hundred and fifty-eight in the previous year.
Six hundred and sixty-two cases were treated at the homes
of the patients, and fifty in the Hospitals of the Metropolitan
Asylums Board. Twenty-four deaths were registered.
Whcoping Cough.—One hundred and forty-eight cases
of Whooping Cough were reported, against five hundred and
seventy three in the previous year.
Eleven deaths were registered. As this is not a notifiable
disease, the mortality rate on the cases reported is of no
value, as doubtless a very large number of cases occurred
which were not known of in the Public Health Department.