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In addition to these deaths from Phthisis, we must take into account
the vast number of cases of Tuberculosis which affects other
organs, and which are not specifically classed in our statistics, and
amongst these we must put the many wasting diseases of childhood.
It becomes incumbent, therefore, on every public body, to whose
care the Sanitary Health of the District is entrusted, to endeavour to
check "by every available means the progress of any disease which is
tending to become a scourge.
This endeavour should, moreover, be the more zealously carried
out in such a district as ours, where the population is rapidly increasing,
and where the dangers arising from over-crowding and insanitary houses
are most likely to occur.
It is urgently needed that every provision should be made for the
better ventilation of dwellings and other buildings, and care should
be taken that they should have proper access of light, and that the
cubic space allowed per head should be sufficient, the present allowance
of 800 cubic feet per head being too small.
Before considering the special measures I would advocate, I might
mention the chief sources of infection.
I. From the direct infection of one person to another in
various ways.
II. Through tuberculous meat.
III. From tuberculous milk.
I. The first of these causes may be dealt with by educating people
to realise that Tuberculosis is an infectious disease, to be treated by
them accordingly. This process of education may be carried by the
distribution of printed leaflets in accordance with the suggestion made
by the Royal Commission on this subject.
These leaflets should point out the infectivity of Consumption, and
should suggest the measures to be taken to improve the general hygienic
condition of dwelling rooms, and should lay stress on the important
fact that fresh air and sunlight are direct enemies of the bacillus of this
disease.
Then I am of opinion that the Sanitary Department should be
authorised to take such steps with regard to Tuberculosis as it is now
empowered to take with regard to cases of infectious disease which are
now notifiable.