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to infection by sepsigenic organisms to which aggregation of
individuals predisposes. The remedy by which "return" cases
may be prevented seems difficult to find. In fact, Dr. Cameron
states that under the present conditions of hospital treatment it is
impossible to avoid their occurrence. He believes that in the case
of patients predisposed to, or who have suffered from, mucous
discharges in the hospital the omission in the winter months of the
warm bath immediately before discharge and the substitution of
one on the previous evening would tend to lessen the number of
"return" cases. He also urges that more extended measures of
isolation should be provided, and that every means should be
employed to assure asepsis in every detail. This rather gloomy
view is shared in by the medical superintendents of the Metropolitan
Asylums Board's fever hospitals, who add to the report some
criticisms which are well worthy of study. They make the
significant remark that " in the present state of our knowledge it
is difficult to see how the occurrence of return cases can be prevented
either in home-treated or hospital-treated patients." In view of
such a statement, which cannot but be considered as highly unsatisfactory,
we think that at least the measures recommended by
Dr. Cameron should be given a trial. But beyond this it seems
imperative that further investigations should be made into a
matter which so deeply concerns the welfare of the community."
METROPOLITAN ASYLUMS BOARD.
NOTICE TO THE FRIENDS OF PATIENTS DISCHARGED FROM
HOSPITAL AFTER SUFFERING FROM SCARLET FEVER.
It ia recommended—
1. That for three weeks after leaving hospital, the patient should
not sleep in the same bed (or, if possible, the same room) as
children who have not had scarlet fever.
2. That during this period articles used by the patient (such as cup,
plate, spoon, handkerchiefs, towels and toys) should be kept
distinct from those used by other children.
3. That the patient should not attend school for three weeks.
The above precautions are specially important in the case of those
patients who suffer from Discharge from either Nose or Ears.
Office of the Board,
Embankment, E.C.
November, 1905
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