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in the absence of cholera, foster and spread other diseases; diseases
which are never absent from the country, and are in the long run
far more destructive than cholera. Hence the sanitary improvements
which would justify a sense of security against any
apprehended importation of cholera would, to their extent, though
cholera should never reappear in England, give amply remunerative
results in the prevention of those other diseases.
R. THORNE THORNE,
Local Government Board, Medical Officer of the Board.
August 26th, 1892.
OFFICIAL COPY.
General Memorandum on the Proceedings which are advisable in
Places attacked or threatened by Epidemic Disease.
1. Wherever there is prevalence or threatening of cholera, diphtheria,
fever or any other epidemic disease, it is of more than common
importance that the statutory powers conferred upon Sanitary
Authorities for the protection of the public health should be well
exercised by those authorities, acting with the advice of their Medical
Officers of Health.
2. Proper precautions are equally requisite for all classes of society.
But it is chiefly with regard to the poorer population, therefore
chiefly in the courts and alleys of towns, and at the labourers' cottages
of country districts, that local authorities are called upon to exercise
vigilance, and to proffer information and advice. Common lodginghouses,
and houses which are sub-let in several small holdings, always
require particular attention.
3. Wherever there is accumulation, stink, or soakage of house
refuse, or of other decaying animal or vegetable matter, the nuisance
should as promptly as possible be abated, and precaution should be
taken not to let it recur. Especially examination should be made as
to the efficient working of sewers and drains, and any defect therein,
and any nuisance therefrom or from any foul ditches or ponds, should
be got rid of without delay. The ventilation of sewers, the ventilation
and trapping of house drains, and the disconnexion of cistern
overflows and sink pipes from drains should be carefully seen to.
The scavenging of the district, and the state of receptacles for excrement
and of ash-pits or dust-bins, will require close attention. In
slaughter-houses, and wherever animals are kept, strict cleanliness
should be enforced.
4. In the removal of filth during periods of epidemic disease, it is
commonly necessary to employ chemical agents for reducing or removing
the offence and harm which may be involved in the disturbance
of the filth. In the removal of privy contents these agents are more