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18
given the same attention to the maxims of cleanliness as regards
other forms of food as we have given to preserving our water and
milk supplies from pollution.
PHTHISIS OR CONSUMPTION.
There were eighteen deaths due to phthisis and 14 to other
tubercular diseases, as against 43 and 15 respectively in 1902.
I have examined the sputum in 15 suspicious cases, the tubercular
bacillus was found in 3 specimens.
The movement on foot to provide an open air sanatorium for
Middlesex should receive the {support of every ratepayer. If the
disease is recognised in the early stages, which can be done by a
bacteriological examination of the sputum," and the patient sent to
undergo the open air treatment at a sanatorium, a cure is invariably
brought about.
WHOOPING COUGH.
There were 20 deaths from this disease, mostly children under
one year of age.
Lung complications in nearly every case was the immediate
cause of death.
I trust that the leaflet which is now freely circulated will assist
in educating the poorer classes as to the necessity of isolation, and
taking better care of their children. At present many poor people
have all sorts of absurd ideas as to how to treat a child suffering
from Whooping Cough.
MEASLES.
As a contrast to the above disease there was not a single death
from measles. I fully believe that the poor classes in my district at
last understand the importance of taking proper care of their children
when suffering from this complaint.
Measles is rarely fatal if lung complications are avoided, this
is to be done by keeping the child warm and avoiding chills.
A leaflet has now been in circulation for some years and I