London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Acton 1897

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Acton]

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7
Epidemic Diarrhoea is due to a Micro-organism, which
is capable of leaving its primary abode, the earth, and becoming
air borne, obtains opportunity for fastening itself on food ; and
from food or organic matter which serves as pabulum, it can
manufacture a virulent chemical poison, and this chemical poison
is the material cause of Epidemic Diarrhoea. It will thus be
evident that the means at the disposal of the Medical Officer of
Health to prevent these recurring epidemics is limited, but I think
much may be done by the distribution of leaflets, advising amongst
other matters :—
(i.) The importance of boiling milk.
(2.) Only taking in sufficient fermentable food, as is
required for the day's use.
(3.) Advice as to the conditions under which food can
be stored.
(4.) Situation of the larder as regards ventilation &c.,
In the houses of the poorer class the household food is
put in a cupboard, or simply exposed in the dwelling, or it may
be a sleeping room ; in such cases as these contamination of the
food is almost impossible to prevent.
ZYMOTIC DEATH RATE.
The total number of deaths registered for the Zymotic
diseases was 130, no less than 80 being due to diarrhoea.
The Zymotic death rate for the year was 4.1 per thousand
of the population.