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into operation on April 1st, 1903. By this arrangement 25
beds are reserved for the use of Finchley residents, and cases
of three different infectious diseases (scarlet fever, diphtheria,
and enteric) can be isolated. The agreement holds good until
April 1st, 1913.
Other Precautionary Measures. Enquiries are in
every case made to ascertain if possible the source of infection,
and an examination is made into the sanitary condition of the
premises.
Especial care is taken to prevent the spread of infection
through the agency of those -engaged in the milk trade, the
preparation of food, laundry work, or the manufacture of
wearing apparel.
Bacteriological Diagnosis.
During the year 1906 53 Bacteriological Examinations
were made in order to determine the existence of diphtheria,
phthisis, and enteric fever in doubtful cases. The results were
as follows:—
Positive. Negative. Total.
Diphtheria 9 29 38
Enteric 7 1 8
Phthisis 2 5 7
Arrangements for the free examination of specimens forwarded
by medical practitioners in the District have been in
force for the past eight or nine years, and the increasing
number of specimens sent to the Lister Institute each year for
bacteriological examination prove the value which is set on this
aid to diagnosis in doubtful cases.
In dealing with a household in which a case of diptheria
has occurred it is sometimes advisable to make certain that no
one besides the patient is affected with the organism associated