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20
Erysipelas. — Fifty-three cases were notified and three deaths
occurred from this disease during the year.
The Spread of Tuberculosis by Milk.
The Public Health Committee considered a letter from the
Hackney Vestry, forwarding for information particulars of the
result of a bacteriological examination of 100 samples of milk
for the presence of tubercle bacilli, suggesting that strong
representations should be made on the subject to the heads of
several of the Government departments, and that a circular,
advising that all milk be boiled before use, be circulated
amongst the inhabitants of the district.
The Committee informed the Hackney Vestry that representations,
similar to those suggested, had already been made by
this Vestry, and they directed that a circular be prepared by
the medical officer of health and circulated by post to every
householder in the parish.
The following circular was accordingly issued to every householder
in the parish :—
Suggestions as to the Use and Storage of Milk.
Several dangerous infectious diseases, such for example as
Typhoid Fever, Scarlet Fever, and Consumption, besides
Diarrhoea and other disorders of the stomach and intestines,
are frequently conveyed by milk, either of itself,
or through the conditions of the utensils in which it is
conveyed.
These risks to health may be avoided by simply well
boiling the milk immediately it is received into the
house. Care should be taken to let the milk cool from
the boiling in a covered non-metallic receptacle, which
should be placed where pure air is freely admitted. On
no account should milk be placed in damp ill-ventilated
cupboards.
With regard to the cleansing of milk utensils, I would
advise that they be first rinsed out with cold water, and
then that a small piece of soda be dissolved in boiling
water and the utensils thoroughly scalded.
Boiled milk should not be given to infants without being
diluted with water varying in proportion to the age and
strength of the infant, as may be advised by the family
medical practitioner.