View report page

73
1908
9.—Milk should always be kept covered, and in a cool place. It should
also be protected from flies, which conyey fatal germs as well as
dust on their feet. The germs thrive in the milk, increasing rapidly,
and when consumed by baby frequently cause fatal diarrhoea.
10.—In preparing the infant's food do not make more than enough for
one feed, and if the baby does not use it all, destroy what is left in
the bottle. Old feeds should never be used.
11.—Infants should not be allowed to crawl on the floors unless these are
scrupulously clean, because they (the infants) may inhale the dust
which often contains the germs of disease. Also the bodies and
clothing of the infants should be kept perfectly clean.
12.—Rooms and yards must be kept very clean, while animal, vegetable
and waste foods should be quickly removed and placed in a covered
dust bin. Slops should be emptied down the water closet, which
should be well flushed. These precautions are essential to keep
away flies, because they breed and feed among refuse. The rooms
should be well ventilated by open windows and doors.
13.—When infants are attacked with summer diarrhcea medical advice
should be obtained immediately, because the disease is rapidly
fatal to them. While waiting for the Doctor give warm water that
has been freshly boiled and sweetened with sugar, and cease to give
the baby milk.
14.—Summer diarrhcea is infectious, and the infection is contained in
the discharges from the bowels. It is necessary, therefore, to disinfect
all the baby's soiled clothing by boiling; and also to wash the hands
after changing the baby. Soiled napkins should not be left lying
about, especially where flies can gain access to them, for these pests
soon find them out, feed on them, and then fly away conveying the
disease to the milk which may be consumed by other infants.
Note.—Where this disease occurs disinfectants will be supplied to adults
free of charge upon application being made to the Public Health
Department.
A. E. HARRIS,
Medical Officer of Health.
Town Hall,
Islington, N.
F