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Tuberculosis in Lambeth causes far more deaths than all
the notifiable infectious diseases put together; and, as strict
precautions are taken in connection with these latter
diseases, why not also in connection with the former disease ?
The disease being proved to be infectious and due to a
germ, it is of the highest importance that disinfection
should be thoroughly carried out, not only in connection
with the room, or rooms, recently occupied, but also in
connection with their contents (e.g., bedding, curtains, etc.).
I am of opinion that such precautions as to disinfection
would tend to minimise the dangers associated with this
disease, and prevent it spreading to other members of the
same family, or to members of another family who might
happen to move into the recently infected house or rooms;
whilst the educational value of such measures, together
with that to be obtained from the issuing of leaflets, must
not be forgotten.
I beg to offer the following suggestions:—(1) That a
circular letter (A) be sent round to all the Medical men in
Lambeth, pointing out that the Vestry is prepared to disinfect
(free of cost) all rooms (and contents) recently
occupied by patients suffering from Tuberculosis, and
which have become unoccupied owing to the deaths or
removals of such patients, when requested to do so by the
Medical men or others in attendance; (2) That a circular
letter (B) be sent to the person, or persons, in charge of
Public Institutions in Lambeth, pointing out the nature of
this disease, and the importance of having disinfection carried