Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
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35
Infectious Disease.
STEPS TAKEN TO PREVENT INFECTION.
On the receipt of a notification of infectious disease the
residence of the sufferer is at once visited by a member of the
sanitary staff with a view to obtain particulars as to means of
isolation, cause of infection, condition of the premises, overcrowding,
cleanliness, &c. If necessary the case is then removed to the
Isolation Hospital and the bed, bedding and room disinfected.
If the patient remains at home the necessary instructions are given
and disinfectants supplied. A postcard is left at the house to be
filled up by the doctor attending when the case is ready for
disinfection. Notices are sent from the Public Health Department
to the schools at which the patient was attending, or those who may
have been in contact with infection.
The Attendance Officers, the Librarian and Pawnshops are also
notified.
In cases of Scarlet Fever, in addition to the disinfoction by
means of formalin spray, the rooms are stripped, re-papered and
whitewashed where necessary.
The following tables show the distribution, age, and place of treatment of the cases notified during 1907:—
Disease. | North. | South. | East. | West. | Total. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scarlet Fever | 18 | 25 | 53 | 31 | 127 |
Diphtheria | 2 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 51 |
Enteric Fever | 4 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 28 |
Erysipelas | 6 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 21 |
Membranous Croup | — | — | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Puerperal Fever | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Totals | 30 | 64 | 81 | 59 | 234 |