London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Wandsworth 1879

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth District, The Board of Works (Clapham, Putney, Streatham, Tooting & Wandsworth)]

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38
Of the 281 cases there were 20 deaths, which gives a
death-rate of 7 per cent. This rate does not include those
who were sent to Hospital, some of whom no doubt died.

Vaccination and Re- Vaccination. — The number of Vaccine operations performed at the Public Station were—

Primary Vaccinations826
Re-Vaccinations14
Total840

Sanitary Matters.—A large amount of Sanitary Work
has been carried out during the year; as will be seen on
reference to the abstract from the Inspector of Nuisances
report book at the end of this report.
The Epidemics of Scarlet Fever and Measles, have
caused a number of houses to be disinfected more than
usual; and the success which follows the means we employ
is most marked, for it is very rare that a second case
makes its appearance after its use. The clothes are hung
up on a line and thus fully exposed to the fumes of the
Sulphurous Acid. Where the bedding is so soiled, from
the discharges of the patient, as to be deemed dangerous
and difficult to disinfect it is burned; a fair allowance
being made by the Board to induce the owner to allow it
to be so destroyed. Yet, notwithstanding the success we
attain by burning Sulphur, I must express my opinion
that our mode of disinfection will not be complete or
certain until a proper chamber is obtained in which
articles of soft materials can be submitted to the necessary
heat, by which the germs of disease are more effectually
destroyed.
Constant inspections are being made to keep as far
as possible the houses of the people in a good sanitary