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24
PHTHISIS.
The Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1908, which became
operative on the 1st January, 1909, require that medical advisers and certain
officials of Boards of Guardians shall notify to the Medical Officer of Health
the particulars of cases of "poor persons" suffering from pulmonary
Tuberculosis that are brought to their notice.
During the year 53 notifications have been received in conformity with
these regulations, of which 13 were duplicates. 30 refer to cases in which
the previous movements of the patients are unknown, but in 10 the information
furnished proved useful in enabling disinfection to be effected where the
patient has been removed to the Infirmary; and more especially in those cases
treated at home, in precautions being observed to minimise the danger of the
spread of the disease.
As in former years several medical practitioners in the City notified cases
of Phthisis which came under their observation in private practice, and, as
recorded on p. 22, four cases (other than "poor persons") have been dealt
with under this system of voluntary notification.
Disinfections have been also effected in any cases that can be found where
those in attendance at establishments in the City have been suspected to be
suffering from Phthisis; but in a place like the City, so densely populated
during business hours, there must always be a danger from the presence of a
large number of unrecognised and incipient cases that are constantly associated
with their fellow workers.
CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER.
As a preventive measure against the spread of Cerebro-Spinal Fever, which
includes Basal Meningitis, the disease was first made notifiable by order of the
London County Council in 1907, in accordance with section 56 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, for a period of six months as from the
12th March, 1907.
This order, which was approved by the Local Government Board, has
since been extended at regular intervals of twelve months, and the present
order covers the twelve months ending the 12th March, 1911.
In March of this year a notification was received of a case of Basal
Meningitis in a child of 2½ years. The symptoms were very indefinite, but
the case was reported by the medical attendant as a matter of precaution.
From time to time details of cases of Cerebro-Spinal Fever are reported as
occurring in adjoining Metropolitan Boroughs, and such details are carefully
investigated with a view to the detection of any possible connection with the
City.