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45
It should be clearly understood that no kind of publicity will
be given to any information that may be obtained by the notification
of the disease in any person; and no kind of interference
will be attempted with the movements or work of the person
suffering.
Bacteriological Examination of Sputum.—The Council has entered
into an arrangement with the Jenner Institute for the bacteriological
examination of sputum in cases suspected to be tuberculous, it
being of the utmost importance to the patient that the nature of his
complaint be recognised at the earliest possible moment.
Disinfection of rooms which have been occupied by consumptives
lias been carried out in a number of cases during the year. These
were chiefly as a result of a personal visit, but in a few cases on the
request of the relatives. Neither the Inspectors nor I have had
time to visit many of the houses where deaths have occurred from
consumption, but it is a field in which much good work can be done.
Tuberculous Milk.—During the year 100 samples of milk were
taken with all necessary precautions to prevent contamination, and
were submitted to the Jenner Institute for bacteriological examination.
In each instance a note was made of the source of supply,
the name and address of the farmer and number of churn being
taken.
The tubercle bacillus was found in 11 of the samples, and in two
instances the supply was evidently the same—viz., from a farm in
Wiltshire, through one of the large distributing companies. Many
of the samples were found to contain pus cells, but in only one case
were they reported to be numerous. On inquiry, Dr. Hewlett, of the
Jenner Institute, informed me that a few pus cells seem to be present
in all milk, but if in quantity they suggest that the cow has some
suppuration or dermatitis of the udder.
The Wards from which the tuberculous samples were taken
were :—Great Marlborough, 2 ; Regent, 2 ; Victoria, 2 ; St. John, 2 ;
Covent Garden, 1; Strand, 1; St. Margaret, 1. The milk from 22
shops was reported as containing ordinary bacteria in moderate or
large amounts. In the remainder these were entirely absent, or
present only in small numbers. I take it, therefore, that the presence
of such bacteria in any quantity is evidence that the milk is not kept
in as cleanly a manner as should be the case, or that it has been
contaminated en route. None of the milk derived from cows kept in
the City showed evidence of any contamination, and I am informed
that the veterinary surgeon appointed by the London County
Council to examine cows in London reports that none of the
Westminster cows were found suffering from tubercle in 1901.