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The number of children excluded in 1907 was 3,399. The decrease
during 1908 was due to the comparative fewness of the cases of measles,
chickenpox, whooping cough and mumps. There was a considerable increase
in the number of children away from school through enteric fever.
The following schools came under my notice in connection with the
prevalence of infectious disease amongst the scholars:—
Fellows Street School.—Class-room B of the infants' department was
closed by the Medical Officer (Education) on account of the prevalence of
measles amongst the children The usual steps as to disinfection were taken
by the Sanitary Authority.
Shap Street School.—Class-room C of the infants' department was visited
on account of the prevalence of measles but no action appeared necessary on
the part of the Sanitary Authority
Curtain Road School.—There was measles amongst the scholars in
Class-room A of the infants' department, but it was not necessary to take any
action; children who had not had measles were being excluded. Class-room E
later in the year also came under notice in connection with the exclusion of
some of the children on account of measles, but no action on the part of the
sanitary authority was necessary.
Scrutton Street School.—Class-room B of the boys' department was visited
in connection wth the occurrence of certain cases of diphtheria in the neighbourhood
of the school, but it was not necessary to take any special action as
regards the scholars.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
During the year 65 bacteriological examinations were made by Dr. Bulloch
at the London Hospital Medical School in cases of suspected infectious disease.
In 26 the examinations were for diphtheria, with positive results in six
instances. For tuberculosis of the lungs six examinations were made, and in
one the tubercle bacillus was found. The remaining 33 were for enteric fever,
with positive results in 14 instances.
DISINFECTION.
During 1908 disinfection was carried out at 1,208 premises, as compared
with 1,688 in 1907. The articles removed and disinfected at the Borough
disinfecting station numbered 22,0-56, as compared with 34,095 in 1907, 26,693
in 1906, 33,745 in 1905, 14,063 in 1904, 8,911 in 1903, 55,025 in 1902, and 17,226
in 1901. The articles disinfected included 1,311 beds, 1,229 mattresses, 2,649
pillows, 971 bolsters, and 15,896 other articles, including sheets, blankets,
clothing, carpets, curtains, and the like. In some instances infected beddingwas
destroyed, and was replaced with new to the extent of 2 beds and 6½
mattresses. No complaints of a serious character were received in respect
of the measures taken by the sanitary authority for disinfection. In one
instance compensation was paid for damage to an article of dress.