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The system of investigation into the environmental conditions
of tuberculosis patients continued during the year. All
newly notified cases and those cases transferring into Kensington
or changing their address in the borough, have been visited by the
public health inspectors with the object of tracing the source of
infection, preventing the spread of infection and removing conditions
favourable to infection. Particular attention was given
to the home conditions in addition to the dissemination of advice
to prevent the transmission of infection to contacts.
During the year, 314 visits were paid to the homes of
tuberculous patients. In 170 of these, the environmental conditions
were such as to require no further action on the part of
the Public Health Department; in a further 31 cases, it was
found that the patients had moved away; and in 82 other cases the
investigations were postponed as the patients were away in hospital
or had not been contacted by the end of the year. The action
taken in the remaining 31 cases is summarised as follows:-
Action or supervision
Cases
Investigation or supervision
undertaken in respect ofs-
(a) re-arrangement of existing
accommodation 3
(b) occupation of patients 2
(c) tracing of contacts 2
(d) prevention of spread of
infection 10
Recommended for priority rehousing 3
Action taken under Public Health
and Housing Acts in respect of
insanitary or unhealthy conditions 11
Incidence of tuberculosis amongst Kensington residents who originated
from areas outside England. Scotland and Vales