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11
receiving the intimation of the existence of infectious disease
in any house before the patient, if for removal, is in the
Hospital, especially is any delay to be deprecated in all cases
of Diphtheria, as abstention from the administration of
diphtheria antitoxin until a bacteriological examination proves
positive lessons the chance of ultimate recovery very considerably.
No harm can possibly be done by administering a dose
of diphtheria antitoxin as soon as this disease is even suspected
and a great gain accrues. As a rule, however, this
administration is generally postponed until the patient reaches
the Hospital.
In all cases of Typhoid Fever which are not admitted to
the Hospital, sanitary pails, of a special character furnished
with air-tight screw lids, are left at the infected houses for
the reception of all excreta and other waste products of the
sick room. These pails are collected daily, and their contents
are dealt with in the destructor at the Hospital.
In every case of Notifiable Disease enquiries are made
and recorded as to the number of persons in the house, where
they are employed, milk supply, water supply, laundry,
conditions of drains, etc., together with the history of the case
and the probable cause of infection. Notice is at once sent to
any school attended by children from infected houses, and
these children are then excluded from school on my certificate,
and are not allowed to return until due notice has been given
to the school authorities of their freedom from possible
infection.
The courtesy of the Managers of Sunday Schools has
been much appreciated in falling in with the suggestions that
any Sunday School should also be closed during the same
period as the ordinary schools.
Disinfection of infected rooms is carried out by fumigation
with sulphur dioxide or formic aldehyde, and of the bedding