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63
INFANTILE DIARRHŒA.
During the year 11 cases of Infantile Diarrhoea
were investigated by the Health Visitors at the homes
of children following information received from the
Queen's Hospital and medical officers at the Welfare
Centre. Practically all the cases occurred in the North
and East Wards.
Where the children were not already under medical
care, the mothers were advised as to simple precautions
to be taken, and a leaflet of advice was left at the
home. Each case was kept under observation until it
cleared up.
Only three of the children affected were under 9
months and two of them were breast-fed. Notwithstanding
all the educational work of the Health Visitors 5 out
of the 11 children were found to be using "dummy" teats.
Eood cupboards of some kind were found in 8 cases.
In all but two cases the dust-bin was found covered.
The most disquieting feature resulting from the investigation
of these cases continues to be the revelation of
the overcrowded conditions under which the children
live. In only two cases were the families above the
low housing standard of two persons per room ; in five
cases there were two persons; in four cases three
persons.
The following unsatisfactory features were noted in
individual cases:-—Dust shoot outside kitchen window,
dust and smell when cleared; near Borough Council
wharf and stables; Stables behind house; Cowshed at
back of house.
The Health Visitors' reports concerning the standard
of domestic hygiene they found reflects great credit on
the mothers living under the conditions just described,
6 being reported as good, 3 as fair, and only 2 as "bad."
Several talks to mothers on diarrhoea, its prevention
and treatment, were given by the Superintendent Health
Visitor at the Welfare Centre.