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measures will be taken in regard to him on his return to Croydon. The
last articles of food which he took part in preparing were made on September
5th. Allowing for an incubation period of five days, which has been the
maximum in the series so far observed, the last patients infected through
confectionery would have an onset on September 10th to the 12th, allowing
for some period of storage in shops; and consequently, the last batch of cases
likely to arise are probably now reporting themselves to their doctors. There
may still, of course, be further cases arising through secondary infection
from previous unrecognised cases, but these are not likely to be large in
number.
Every precaution suggested by me has been taken by the firm of confectioners,
and there appears to me to be to likelihood of a continuance of
infection from that source.
I am indebted to practitioners who have so kindly drawn my attention
to cases, and have thereby made it possible to trace out the source of the
infection.
Yours faithfully,
H. P. NEWSHOLME,
Mcdical Officer of Health.
It may be added that the substance of the main conclusions
arising out of the epidemic, set out on page , was referred for
consideration to the Bakery and Confectionery Section of the
London Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Master
Bakers, and the Croydon Master Bakers' Association.
WORK OF THE BOROUGH HOSPITAL.
The Borough Hospital for infectious diseases contains 170
beds, 12 of which, in a separate block, were utilised throughout
the year for the treatment of tuberculosis. In addition, 5 shelters
are provided for other tuberculous patients.
The number of patients admitted for treatment was again
much below the average.