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( 65 )
London Fever Hospital suffering from scarlet fever. At
the same time the inspector was informed that there were
numerous other cases of scarlet fever in that neighbourhood.
On inquiry, it was stated that thirty.four of the
forty.three infected houses were supplied with milk, and
some with bread, from one dairy ; and it was also reported
that a milk porter employed there, but not sleeping on the
premises, had suffered from a mild attack of scarlet fever,
as well as three of his children. As soon as I obtained this
information, I investigated this milk supply, both at the
farm and at the dairy.
Inspection of the Farm, and the Condition of the
Milk before it was received at the Dairy.
I twice visited the farm, accompanied by several medical
authorities, and after searching inquiries, we failed to
detect any evidence of infectious disease, either amongst
the animals, or the people about the farm.
In addition, the local medical practitioners had no
knowledge of any cases of fever near that district, and
a veterinary certificate was supplied as to the health of
the cows.
I subsequently made inquiries at the railway station in
London where this milk supply was received daily from
the farm, and ascertained that several of the company's
servants were absent from duty during January suffering
from scarlet fever; and it was stated these servants purchased
their milk from the consignment allotted to the
dairyman in this district. But this portion of the milk
was measured and sold at the station from one of the
churns as it was received direct from the farm.
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