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It has been the practice in this Borough to disinfect in cases of
Measles only when an application is made by parents or householders.
During an outbreak of this disease it would be quite
impossible to carry out the disinfection of all infected premises with
the existing staff; and it is interesting to note that during the year the
opinions have been sought of Metropolitan Medical Officers of Health
as to the value of disinfection after this disease. Twenty.five replies
were obtained and of these eight were to the effect that the measure
would be effective ; two that it would be non-effective; seven that it was
unnecessary; five that the results were doubtful; and three expressed
no opinion.
During the year there was a considerable outbreak of Whooping
Cough in the Borough, and the very low death-rate from this disease
in the preceding year was nearly doubled—the rate exceeding that
for London generally. There was evidence of a considerable
amount of spread through the medium of the schools, despite the
precautions taken. It is extremely difficult to control the spread of
this disease through any administrative measures which the sanitary