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33
Sanitary Report, 1893.
Erysipelas.
There have been several cases of Erysipelas
during the year but many have been of a slight
character. This disease and puerperal fever with
some others come under the head of septic diseases,
or the more generally familia???term of blood poisoning;
they are of a highly infectious nature. Erysipelas,
especially in a severe form, may be due to insanitary
condition, and if brought in contact with a patient
in child-birth is extremely liable to give rise to
puerperal fever; they require therefore to be guarded
against by the most perfect antiseptic precautions
which a person can take who might be brought in
contact with them.
The antiseptic precautions in the treatment of
wounds as introduced by Professor Lister are most
especially necessary in regard to these diseases of a
septic nature.
Cholera.
This disease again caused a great deal of anxiety
during the Summer. It made its appearance in
England, chiefly at Grimsby, but at other places
also. On Sunday, September 10th, a case of cholera
was notified in Harlesden, and as the patient had
just come from Grimsby, the Sanitary Inspector
very rightly thought it necessary to telegraph for
me as I was away for my holiday at the time. I
returned and saw the patient the same night with
the doctor who was attending. Every precaution
was taken in keeping the patient away from other
people ; there were no children in the house and
the accommodation was good. Some of the secretions
were forwarded to the Medical Officer of the Local
Government Board and everything was thoroughly