View report page

14
Five cases that were notified as Diphtheria, turned out to be cases of
Ulcerated sore-throat caused by slight escapes of coal gas from defective
pipes and burners.
MEASLES.
Measles becomes epidemic every two years, and 1898 followed the
rule, but we had few deaths compared with previous epidemic years,
and there can be no doubt of the value of the leaflet which I distribute
in the spring and autumn.
TYPHOID FEVER.
Nine cases were notified, but no deaths occurred.
Typhoid is generally conveyed by water or milk, and, when there
is already a case in the house, by infected hands, linen and food.
In almost all the cases notified insanitary conditions were found,
but we must not conclude haphazardly, that insanitary defects are the
actual cause of the disease. Sewer gas produces a lowered state of
vitality, and renders the inmates more prone to disease in almost any
form.
The Bacillus Typhosus must be either inhaled with specifically
infected sewer air, or swallowed in food or drink.
I have made arrangements to apply Widal's Typhoid Serum
Reaction, to assist the diagnosis of any doubtful cases.
PHTHISIS.
Under the above heading I have included all the deaths due to
Tubercle Bacilli, and they number 48.
About one half were registered as Tabes Mesenterica or Consumption
of the Bowels, the remaining cases were due to Tuberculosis
of the Lungs and Tubercular Meningitis.
The year 1898 will ever be remembered for the inauguration of
the National Society for the Prevention of Consumption and other
forms of Tuberculosis. The object of the Society is to educate the
Public that Tuberculosis is a preventible disease, and to establish Open