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A number of intimations were received as to investigations by the School Medical
Authorities in consequence of the occurrence of cases of scarlet fever and diphtheria
amongst children attending some of the schools in the Borough. In only a few
instances was it found necessary to exclude any of the children.
Information was also received from the School Medical Officer relative to the
exclusions from school of 21 children on account of the presence of diphtheria bacilli
in their noses or throats. The families, residents in some thirteen houses, to which
the children belonged, were kept under observation, but no cases of diphtheria were
subsequently notified amongst the members thereof nor is there any evidence that
such cases occurred.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
During the year some 898 examinations were made by Dr. J. Andrew, the pathologist
at the Metropolitan Hospital. Of these 576 were for suspected diphtheria,
4 for enteric fever, 297 for tuberculosis and 2 for gonorrhoea. Eleven Wassermann
tests were made, three samples of urine were examined, one specimen of cerebrospinal
fluid, one specimen of discharge from eye, two specimens for organisms and
one for thread worms were also examined.
Positive results were obtained in 84 of the examinations for diphtheria organisms,
67 of those for tubercle bacilli and in three of the Wassermann tests.
In addition to the above some 687 bacteriological examinations were made at the
Royal Chest Hospital in connection with the work at the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
DISINFECTION.
The premises disinfected numbered 1,231; the articles removed to the Borough
reinfecting Station to be there disinfected totalled 19,165, and included 1,123 beds,
1.201 mattresses, 2,520 pillows, 771 bolsters and some 13,547 other articles such as
sheets, blankets, quilts, curtains, carpets, clothing and the like. It was necessary
to destroy two beds and two pairs of mattresses which were so dilapidated and
contaminated as to render it inadvisable to return them. These were replaced with
new.
disinfection for trade purposes was stopped by the Council about the middle
tue year. During the early part of the year, 41,455 blankets and 90,873 pieces of
we aring apparel were dealt with.
THE SHELTER.
The he accommodation provided under Section 60 (4) of the Public Health (London)
Act. 1891, was not in use during the year under consideration.