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101
Defective dustbins and swarms of flies were found in seven of the cases.
Lack of well ventilated cupboards for storing food is only too general, and this
deficiency contributes largely to the spread of this disease. Milk and other food is
generally found in drawers or cupboards close to fireplaces, if not actually exposed
to the questionable atmosphere of the general living room.
Tuberculosis.
Of the 218 cases visited for the first time 116 were under 16 years of age, 34
of the latter being tuberculosis of the lungs, the remaining 82 being tubercular
glands, joints, skin, and bowels. Twelve were away in hospital or Convalescent
Homes.
Many of the notified cases have since attended the Tuberculosis Dispensary at
City Road Chest Hospital and are revisited from there.
Thirteen cases were sent to Sanatoria by the Insurance Commissioners and
six were admitted to various homes. The remainder were treated at home or
admitted to the Infirmary.
In the majority of the cases it is found impossible for the patients to observe
all the requirements necessary to prevent the spread of infection. Separate rooms
are seldom possible, and scarcity of bedclothes render the provision even of
separate beds very difficult.
Most people now recognise the necessity of fresh air, and a closed window is
an exception, but when bedding is scarce, one can hardly wonder at windows
being closed at night during the winter, a procedure which too often results in the
contraction of the disease by other members of the family.
Grateful thanks are due to Miss Tucker of the East London Workers' Society
for the ready and immediate response to all appeals on behalf of urgent cases,
whether in need of food, clothing, change of air or financial help, and also to other
social workers who have contributed information and help in various ways.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
MAUDE E. JACOCKS,
Health Visitor.
(174)
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