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14
Since our last annual report two highly important and
beneficial enactments bearing on the health of the community
have been passed by the legislature. These are
The Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act 1889 and The
Poor Law Act 1889. By the first of these, we have obtained
what we have repeatedly before in our annual reports
pointed out to be absolutely necessary for the
prompt and effectual stamping out of 1 nfectious Disease.
We now obtain immediate notification of most infectious
diseases which break out in our district. We are thereby
put in possession of the knowledge of the existence of
such disease and can thereupon take such steps as we
deem necessary for preventing the spread of the same.
Through the courtesy of the Metropolitan Asylums
Board each medical officer is also made cognisant of the
prevalence of infectious-disease beyond the borders of
this district. This knowledge may at times prove most
advantageous in the prevention of disease. According
to the terms of the Act each medical officer has on receipt
of any notification to send a copy of the same to
The Asylums Board Offices. By a resolution of your
Board, at the request of the School Board, The Medical
Officers also send copies of all notifications of infectious
disease within their district to The School Board Superintendent
Visitor. Thereupon notices are sent at the
instance of the School Board to the houses where infectious
disease exists, warning the occupants thereof not to
send any of their children to the public school until infection
has ceased.
These precautions are calculated to prevent to a great
extent the spread of infectious diseases, which results
from children from infected houses attending crowded
public schools