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1921
9
Diarrhoea is produced by one definite micro-organism, or is an illness
conditioned by several allied bacilli, is doubtful. Of the nature
of the infecting organism we are ignorant; doubt is expressed
if there is any one specific germ. So many different micro-organisms
have been ascribed as the cause of the disease that we must either
believe in them all as a cause, or else discredit all of them.
In rare epidemics the primary cause of infection may be the
Shiga, Flexner, Morgan or Welch bacillus, but the usual and commonest
bacterial cause is probably the abnormal activity of the normal
denizens of the bowels. These latter organisms avail themselves
of an exaltation of virulence and are able to pass the usual barriers
and to pour their poison into the blood.
From a preventive point of view, it is of importance to
emphasise the fact that there are two factors in the production
of Summer Diarrhoea, viz:—
(a) Food injury.
(b) Bacteria.
Infection never comes out of a clear sky, and previous digestive
disorders invariably pave the way for the invasion.
The success achieved in the prevention of summer diarrhoea
is due not to any special measures taken during the hot months
of the year, but to the general preventive work throughout the
year.
Milk (Mothers and Children Order), 1919—During the financial
year, 7921 packets of Dried Milk were issued free, and 2,030
packets under the arrangement which the Council made with the
Guardians.
At the beginning of the financial year, the Council estimated
that the cost of the distribution of free milk would amount to
£850. By the exercise of great care, the Child Welfare Committee
kept within the estimate until the beginning of August when the
applications became more numerous, and the amount of milk distributed
increased. The cause of the increase was soon apparent.
Enquiries at the Local Labour Exchange elicitated the fact that
there was no increase in the number of unemployed at that period
and the cause lay elsewhere.
In February, the Guardians instituted a scheme for outdoor
relief to the Unemployed. This came to an end on August
2nd, resulting as far as this Council was concerned in a jump in the
amount of free milk distributed. In September, the Guardians