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7
and the water supply is practically constant. Some two years
previously an adult contracted Typhoid Fever, and it is more than
probable the soil polluted with the specific germ by means of faulty
drain, infected the drinking water through the supply pipe. The
persons affected were children who were in the habit of drinking
water direct from the cistern, whereas, adults generally drank
water boiled in form of tea or other beverages. The investigation
of these cases showed the importance of ascertaining the state of
drains laid under ground, and in every case of infectious illness it
is of the utmost importance to ascertain the state of the drain leading
from the house drain, as a leakage of sewage polluting the surrounding
soil is more frequently the direct cause of illness, or at any
rate by lowering the vitality of persons living in the house, prepares
them very thoroughly for the reception of disease germs. On many
occasions during the year I have brought this matter to your
notice.
Puerperal Fever.
One case was notified during the year. No cause could be
ascertained.
Whooping Cough
Was prevalent throughout the year. Attention was drawn by
reports in the Press urging parents to isolate their sick children.
The education in the public schools in one part of district was
disturbed through prevalence of this illness.
Chicken Pox
Was prevalent in parts of the district during the year.
Measures Adopted for the Prevention of
Infectious Diseases.
Scarlet Fever cases that cannot be isolated at home and under
certain conditions are removed to the Enfield Local Authorities'
Isolation Hospital, or failing this to Finchley. Three cases of
Scarlet Fever were removed to Enfield. Small-pox cases are
removed to Highgate Small-pox Hospital, an arrangement being
made with the Authorities. Two cases of Diphtheria and two of
Typhoid were removed to general hospitals in London.
You will doubtless continue to consider the necessity of providing
a suitable building within your own district for isolating
cases of infectious diseases. An ambulance would be extremely
useful for the removal of cases to hospitals, as there is a delay at
times in procuring the ambulance from the Barnet Union.