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17
The following were the measures taken for dealing with the epidemic:—
(a) Every case coming under observation was isolated with as little delay as
possible. Instructions were issued by Messrs. X. that any employe feeling
unwell or suffering from "sore throat," was to forthwith report himself for
examination by their medical attendant. If found to be suffering from
"sore throat" the patient was sent to a house which had been specially
taken for the purpose, and was there kept until he was convalescent, when
he was sent away home for three weeks' holiday before returning to his
work. All patients suffering from diphtheria or scarlet fever were sent to
the fever hospital. It was suggested that a systematic examination of the
throats of all the employes should be carried out, but this was not deemed
practicable.
(b) Disinfection was done by the officers of the Vestry; special instructions
were given for dealing with forks, spoons, cups, and the like, which were
used at meal times, and other articles likely to be used in common by the
employes. The necessity of using scalding water in the cleansing of such
articles was urged, with a view to destroying any infection which may have
been on them. Subsequently, towards the end of October, a solution of
permanganate of potash, in addition to the scalding water, was used as a
disinfectant for this purpose.
(c) The milk supply of the establishment, which was obtained from a
neighbouring dairy, was regarded by Messrs. X. with suspicion, and was
changed, a fresh supply from a different source being obtained on July 1st.
(d) A careful sanitary inspection was made of the premises, and all defects
found in connection therewith were rectified with as little loss of time as
possible, the necessary works having all been carried out by the middle of
August.
As to the manner in which the disease was introduced it is impossible to say
anything with certainty. It was, however, remarked by some of Messrs. X's
employes that many of the earlier cases were amongst young men who were in the
habit of frequenting the dairy whence the milk supply of the establishment was
obtained and procuring glasses of milk in the shop attached to the dairy. On
inspection of the dairy it was found that the drainage and other arrangements were
in an extremely insanitary condition. It was also ascertained that about May 1st,
fifteen days prior to the occurrence of the first case of diphtheria amongst Messrs. X's
employes, a woman who served in the shop was taken ill with a very bad "sore
throat," which confined her to bed for four or five days, after which she resumed her
work in the shop, her throat being still "sore," and she continued to serve in the shop
until she left her employment on May 13th. As to whether this case of "sore
throat" was connected with the early cases at Messrs. X's establishment it is