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37
In the neighbourhood of the third farm Scarlet Fever had
been prevalent for some time.
This farm (G. M.) comprises an area of about 350 acres
of pasture land, and on it, in addition to other stock, are kept
55 milch cows. The whole of the milk was sent under contract
to the above-mentioned firm. The milk was detrained at
Ealing, and delivered direct to the branch depot.
Connected with the farm are three cottages, in which most
of the milkers reside. One of the milkers (D. F.), though,
resides in a village (W. H.), situated about three miles away.
A groom (G. R.), who occasionally assists in the milking,
resides in the farmhouse, but obtained all his meals with the
milkers. At the village (W. H.) Scarlet Fever has been prevalent
for some time.
In January, 1909, there were three cases of Scarlet Fever
in D. F.'s house at W. H., but D. F. himself did not suffer
from Scarlet Fever. Last December Scarlet Fever again made
its appearance in W. H., but not in D. F.'s house. On
March 25th, 1911, D. F. met with an accident, and was sent
away from work until April 15th. On April 16th, 17th, and
morning of the 18th he milked the cows. On the latter date
he again went off duty with a bad cold, and had not resumed his
work on April 25th. On April 25th he was examined by the
County Medical Officer of Health, who found him suffering
from inflamed tonsils, but there were no symptoms char???teristic
of Scarlet Fever. D. F. was also examined by bis own doctor,
And both doctors are of opinion that D. F. was not suffering
from Scarlet Fever.
All the employees were examined on April 25th, and on
that date the groom G. R. was and had been for some days
suffering from Scarlet Fever. His throat and tongue were typical
of Scarlet Fever, and desquamation of the skin was commencing.
His family resided at a village some distance away.