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134
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
Of the 22 cases 15 had a definite family history, in one no
information could be obtained, and in six no definite family
history could be traced.
Dr. Kerr in his report states that Tubercle as an evident
cause of disease is not common in schools, in the form of pronounced
Consumption being rare, not exceeding three per 1,000.
He also remarks, however, that there are a large number of
children in whom this disease is suspected.
In France, Germany and Austria, where the children are
tested with Tuberculin, the proportion of children in whom reaction
is obtained is very large, and Dr. Kerr remarks that practically
every child is infected by Tubercle, but these mostly get
over it before school days are past.
If this be the case in this country then it is a very strong
argument for the establishment of a Tuberculosis Dispensary.
The whole of the work in connection with these cases has
been carried out by the female Sanitary Inspectors, and I am able
to report that it was done in a most thorough and satisfactory
manner.
The total number of visits paid was 646, 122 in Clapham, 47
in Putney, 112 in Streatham, 79 in Tooting, and 286 in Wandsworth.
As in previous years, the pamphlet which has been in use
since 1903 was left, and the instructions thereon were in most of
the cases carried out.
During the year 12 sputum bottles have been supplied, and
two were returned after the death of the patient.