View report page

43
the deaths in Acton in 1909 one of the parents had previously
succumbed to the disease.
In addition, there were 10 other instances in which
another member of the family had previously died of Tuberculosis.
In these 16 cases the source of infection was fairly clear
and Phthisis is admitted to be a communicable disease under
such conditions. It is also infectious under conditions of
close personal intimacy, such as persons sharing the same
bed or the same room, or shut up together in numbers in
close, ill ventilated apartments.
But during the year under review, some cases occurred
which suggest that such close personal intimacy is not always
required for the communication of Phthisis from one person to
the other.
Instances of two persons in the employ of the Council
may be cited.
A case of Consumption occurred in the Accountant's
Department in 1907. The patient was off duty on account of
the disease in April 1907 and was admitted to the Northwood
Sanatorium for treatment. He succumbed to the disease in
May 1908.
In August 1909 another official in the Accountant's
Department had an attack of Haemoptysis, and Phthisis was
diagnosed.
Both persons worked in the same room.
In October a case of Phthisis occurred in the Health
Department, and the official was off duty until March 1908
when she sent in her resignation. In July 1908 another
official in the Health Department was incapacitated from
work, but it is known that he had been suffering for some time
from a slight cough, and had an evening temperature. The