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74
shown that the method of disinfection adopted in this
sub-district has been perfectly satisfactory. The following
is the analysis of the cases which occurred. (I refrain
from publishing the addresses, &c., for obvious
reasons).
Houses disinfected 44
Bedding, &c., disinfected in oven 46 times
„ „ after Small Pox* 9
„ „ after Scarlet Fever 34
„ „ after Typhoid Fever 1
Bedding destroyed 1
* This does not give the number of patients.
In three cases the disease reappeared in the same
house—in one 2 days, in another 3 days, and in the
third 14 days after disinfection. It is needless to point
out that the period of incubation extends over a time
frequently as long as the last mentioned, and therefore
none of these cases can be said to affect the
question of the value of the process of disinfection
adopted. It may therefore fairly be said that in no
instance during the year 1881 has the method of disinfection
pursued in this sub-district been proved to have
failed to prevent a recurrence of the disease.
I am of opinion that the use of a disinfecting oven
is the best method of disinfecting bedding, &c., except
destroying articles, often of too much value to allow of
destruction. Fumigation with chlorine or sulphur is
used for the rooms, and the floors, furniture, &c., washed
with disinfecting fluid.
ALEXANDER WALKER, M.D.
Medical Officer of Health for Putney and Roehampton.