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It has further been shown that if infection has occurred, the terrible effects
which the inflammation is capable of producing can be counteracted by treatment
chiefly by frequently bathing the eyes with a solution of boric acid.
Largely with the object of spreading knowledge with regard to the condition and
to direct attention to the necessity of applying prompt treatment, the disease was made
notifiable by the London County Council.
The order relating to notification was issued on 13th March, 1911. Since then
21 cases have been notified. Inquiries made prior to the coming into force of the
requirement indicated that the number of cases occurring in the Borough was
comparatively small. The results of the order as to notification have confirmed this
view.
As a matter of fact, the greatest attention is paid to the eyes of infants by the
staffs of the Hospitals in the Borough, and as many of the poorer inhabitants are
attended by doctors or nurses from these institutions, it is certain that the babies will
be well looked after in this respect.
Phthisis.
So far as pulmonary tuberculosis—phthisis or consumption—is concerned, 1911
was a most remarkable year.
By means of regulations issued by the Local Government Board, two in
rapid succession, it was placed finally amongst the diseases as to which notification
must be made; powers and duties in connection with its prevention and treatment
were placed in the hands of the Council, and, so far as the Borough is concerned,
throughout the whole of the year the dispensary system was at work in relation to it.
Notifications.—Though, as is stated above, two orders with regard to notification
of pulmonary tuberculosis were issued in 1911, viz., the Public Health (Tuberculosis
in Hospitals) Regulations, 1911, and the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations,
1911, only the first-named actually came into force during the year, and that not till
May.
Notifications for part of the year therefore were received under the Public Health
(Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1908, and for another part under these and the Public
Health (Tuberculosis in Hospitals) Regulations, 1911. In addition, throughout the
year, a certain number were made under the voluntary system inaugurated by the
Council originally in 1906.
The third set of Regulations did not take effect until the 1st January, 1912.
They impose the duty of notifying cases of pulmonary tuberculosis on medical
practitioners attending cases left unaffected by the Poor Law and Hospitals regulations,
and make compulsory notification practically universal.
The total number of notifications received from all sources in 1911 was 536,
which was exactly one less than the number for 1910, 537, which in turn was nearly
double the number received in 1909—334.
Of the 536, 56 were sent in voluntarily, 200 by the Poor Law Officers, under the