London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Lewisham 1929

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham Borough]

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51
bacillus Typhosus was isolated from a specimen of blood-stained
excreta taken just before death.
From a survey of all the evidence available, we arrived at
the following conclusions: —
(1) Though the post-mortem findings point to N.M. being
infected with Typhoid Fever subsequent to the
first known cases, there is always the possibility
of his having suffered from a mild primary attack
of Typhoid Fever followed by a severe relapse,
which proved fatal.
(2) There might be an unrecognised intermittent carrier
in shop "X."
Measures Taken to Check the Outbreak.
On the 7th October, 1929, a circular letter was sent to the
medical practitioners in Sydenham warning them of the presence
of Enteric Fever in the district, and reminding them of the
facilities available for blood examination, etc. Later, a public
statement was made by the Chairman of the Public Health Committee
at a Council Meeting, advising the public in general
terms of the precautions to be taken against the disease.
Accompanied by Mr. S. P. Rayner, Sanitary Inspector, I
visited the home of each case notified and inquired into all
articles of food eaten by the patient any time from a fortnight
to three weeks prior to the onset of the illness, and also where
purchased. At the same time an inspection was made of the
sanitary condition of the premises.
Removal of the patient to Hospital was advised. Ninetyone
cases were removed and 11 were nursed at home. In cases
nursed at home, written instructions were sent to those attending
the case, setting out the precautions to be taken to prevent the
spread of the disease, and disinfectant was supplied free of
charge.
Disinfection of bedding and bedrooms was carried out
immediately on the patient's removal to Hospital, or recovery