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21
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Few comments are necessary with reference to the incidence of infectious disease
during the year 1925.
Diphtheria was prevalent to the extent of 16 cases compared with 8 in 1924. The
number of Scarlet Fever cases was 24 compared with 12 in 1924. There were 7 cases of
Erysipelas. Measles and Rubella are not notifiable diseases and only a few cases of illness of
this type were brought to my notice through the medium of the school medical service.
Thirty-nine cases of Chicken-pox were notified and one of Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
The percentage of cases removed to hospital for treatment continues satisfactory.
In each instance of notified disease a detailed examination is made of the sanitary conditions
of the premises where the case occurred and a summary of defects found by the District
Inspector is given on page 75.
Notification of Infectious Diseases.—In the following tables will be found particulars of
certificates relating to cases of infectious disease, and information as to the removal of patients
to hospitals, infirmaries, etc.
Examination for Pathogenic Bacteria.—During the year the following specimens were so
dealt with. It will be seen that positive results were obtained in 16.6 per cent. of these
cases.
Result.
Specimen. Disease suspected. Positive. Negative.
17 Swabbings from throats Diphtheria — 17
29 Sputum Tuberculosis 8 21
2 Blood Enteric Fever — 2
Of the 17 swabbings from throats, 3 were received from the Central Foundation School for
Girls, Spital Square, E.C.
Distribution of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin, Etc.—No application for a supply of Diphtheria
Anti-toxin or Anti-Influenza Vaccine was received during 1925.
TRAFFIC IN SECOND-HAND CLOTHING.
The possibility of the spread of infectious disease, etc., through the medium of secondhand
clothing, has been under consideration by the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Join
Committee during the year, and the Corporation was asked for an expression of opinion as
to the desirability of the institution of legislation dealing with the subject.
In some areas, doubtless, the problem assumes a greater importance than it does in the
City, where the retail trade in second-hand garments is not now of much magnitude. Some
twenty years ago the trade was considerable, but it is now restricted to some half dozen
establishments. The most important place now remaining is the enclosure known as Phil's
Building Clothes Market, Houndsditch, a private market where hawkers, costermongers,
and others gather and conduct a more or less brisk market in discarded clothing. Among the
regular buyers at this market are merchants who ship their purchases to, among other places,
South Africa, and all these garments have to be disinfected before they are admitted to that
country. In this connection it is interesting to note that during the present year 453,645
articles of clothing have been disinfected, preparatory to export to South Africa.
No complaint of vermin or suspicion of the communication of infectious disease in connection
with the buying or selling of second-hand clothing within the City, has come to my
knowledge. In other areas, however, the danger is, doubtless, a real one and I consider
that the enactment and enforcement of measures to prevent the sale and distribution of
verminous and disease-infected second-hand bedding and wearing apparel would be in the
interests of public health. It is satisfactory to note that a clause with the object in view is
incorporated in the London County Council (General Powers) Bill which is before Parliament
at the time of writing this report.