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17
the risk of removal taken. We must bear in mind that the primary
object of this section is not to benefit the patient nor to save the
parents the cost of medical treatment and attendance, but to prevent
injury to the health of others. I am aware that some cases, notably
of scarlet fever or diphtheria present but very faintly marked symptoms
and are yet infectious, but I am of opinion that in such cases the
infection could generally be kept within bounds at home.
Naturally the household wants to free itself from a case of infectious
disease, thnt parents may work and children go to school,
but I think that unless the diagnosis is assured neither notification
nor removal should take place.
It is, I think, well that we should endeavour in every way to get
the most good possible out of this section, and I do not think we
shall do so unless we encourage medical practitioners to notify.
Differences of opinion will occur as to the nature of illnesses,
but it is better by far that a few should be notified incorrectly
than that cases of infectious disease should go unnotified. The
public, I think, may be left with confidence to safeguard its own
interests.
SMALL-POX.
Once more throughout the year there was not a single death from
this dreaded disease, making the third year in succession
in which Bow has had a completely clear sheet. For six
years from 1886 to 1892 there was also perfect immunity; 1 death
and 21 notifications in 1893,4 deaths and 35 notifications in 1894—
a year which might be regarded as the septennial period for this
disease; in 1895 no deaths and 5 notifications, and in 1896 no death
and only 1 notification; this year there has been no death and no
notification.
The following is the record of small-pox for Bow since 1880:—
b