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Two of the above schools (infants' departments) were
disinfected, whilst in many cases the houses of the absentees
were visited, and necessary disinfection carried out, increasing
the work of the disinfecting staff considerably.
In no single case was a school or class closed on
account of Whooping Cough, though this disease was,
undoubtedly, epidemic in Lambeth during 1899, and many
children must have been absent from school in consequence
of suffering from this disease themselves, or living in houses
wherein other children were so suffering. Disinfection
was carried out during the year in 58 cases, a satisfactory
statement to be able to make considering that hitherto in
Lambeth practically no such action has been taken.
Much yet remains to be done, as Whooping Cough (like
Measles) is an infectious disease, which causes much
damage—130 deaths from this disease being registered in
Lambeth during 1899, as compared with an annual average
during the last ten years, 1889-98, of 154. Even when
death does not occur, the amount of ill-health left as a
result of Whooping Cough is considerable, calling for every
effort on behalf of a Sanitary Authority to prevent the
extension of the disease. Whooping Cough (like Measles)
is a disease that is apt to spread by means of schools.