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for comparison with that recently obtained for the Metropolitan
Asylums Board.
In respect of the infectivity of the mucous discharges, the
question raised by the Managers of the Metropolitan
Asylums Board is of the highest importance, as on its
solution depends the practice which it would be advisable to
adopt. If it can be proved that the discharge after a time
constitutes simply the vehicle, as suggested by Dr. Simpson,
and is not in its nature infective, as is usually believed, it is
obvious that the practice of removing the patient from an
infective environment for a short period before return to his
home is one which should be adopted. But on this point
the Committee are unable to express a decided opinion with
the evidence at present available.
5. In order to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, the
Committee are of opinion that information should be
obtained as to whether
(a.) The mucous discharges in themselves are infectious
from patient to patient.
(;b.) Their infectivity quickly dies out on removal of
the patient to an uninfected environment.
And further, in order to place the inquiry on a firmer basis
than at present, that the investigation should extend over a
longer period than six months, so that not only all seasons of
the year may be included in the scope of the investigations
but that the data available should be more numerous.
The Committee are of opinion that there is not sufficient
evidence at present before them to enable them to lay down
any definite period of time as necessary for the detention of
patients recovering from scarlet fever. With the object of
obtaining further evidence the Committee recommend—
I. That in each hospital a couple of wards identical in respect
to cubic space per bed, &c., should be set aside and
administered on a different principle, the sex of the
children being the same, and the age as far as possible.