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32
The Committee also at the same time authorised me to arrange
with the Jenner Institute for the bacteriological examination of
sputa from patients suspected to have Phthisis. Four cases
were submitted for examination before the year ended, and
three found to contain tubercle.

There thus appears to have been a slight increase in both
parishes since 1898, but more marked in Woolwich. The same
increase has occurred in the county.
Death Rate from Phthisis.
Woolwich Borough l.79
London County 1.71
65. Preventive Measures.—Wherever a death has occurred
from Phthisis, disinfection of articles and fumigation of rooms
is performed if leave is given. Rooms were disinfected at 86
houses last year compared with 18 in 1900. If the premises
are dirty, stripping and cleansing is required. A notice is left
at every house where a case is notified, giving directions as to
the avoidance of infection. The same notice has been distributed
to every house in the Borough. It is much to be
regretted that no steps have been taken in London for providing
sanatoria where the poor may be isolated and receive openair
treatment at all stages of the disease. There can be little
doubt that in the homes of the poor tuberculosis is continually
transmitted from one member of a family to another, and,
without removal to an institution, there is little hope of the
means recommended for dealing with the infectious sputum
and partial isolation being carried out.