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necessary expense incurred. I do not wish to deny that some
good is gained, but, I think, if the points which 1 have given are
carefully considered, it will be seen that in no single measure
taken has the result been entirely satisfactory; after all, the
object of notification is prevention of disease, but I do not think
that it has to any great extent diminished the number of cases in
this district, in fact, as statistics shew, they have increased. Of
course the actual number of eases of this complaint can never be
known. In the place of notification I would suggest that the
schools be regularly visited by the Sanitary Staff, and the
co-operation of the School Authorities obtained in the treatment
of this disease, the names of absentees taken, and the cause of
absence ascertained, and I have always found, as before stated,
that the School Attendance Officer can invariably give me this
information. The teachers should be told the signs and symptoms
of the disease, and asked to exclude all doubtful cases and to send
in their names, and the question of the necessity for closure can
then be considered.
For the information of the parents printed handbills should
be sent out at the commencement of each outbreak, giving the
signs and symptoms of the disease and the precautions necessary
to be taken.
Information can also be obtained from the medical men as to
the extent of the disease in any particular part of the district.
I think, if the above points are carefully attended to, as
much good will be done in checking this disease as by compulsory
notification, which is very costly. I think that a trial would be
advisable.
I am, Sir,
Tour obedient Servant,
F. W. ANDREW,
Medical Officer of Health Hendon
Urban District.