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25
In the early summer, when a spell of very hot weather
occurred, the following leaflet was distributed from all Infant
Welfare Centres, and it was exhibited on large posters on all
the hoardings:—
HOT WEATHER AND INFANT MORTALITY.
Hot dry weather has a very marked influence upon the prevalence
of diarrhoea in infants and young children.
Infant Diarrhoea is a serious complaint which often ends fatally
unless treated early.
The cause is due to contamination of food (chiefly milk),
feeding bottles, dummies, etc., by dust and germs.
This disease can be prevented by cleanliness and fresh air.
Use only dried milk or clean pure liquid milk and cover
the top of the milk jug and sugar basin with muslin.
Feeding bottles, bottle brushes, etc., must be boiled each
day and kept in a clean place.
Protect All Food from contamination and buy only from
Vendors who endeavour to do the same.
House Flies carry the Germs of diarrhoea, so protect all food
from them and kill as many as you can.
The child should have plenty of fresh air and be fed regularly.
At the first onset of diarrhoea or sickness, take the child to your
doctor or the nearest Infant Welfare Clinic.
F. Garland Collins,
Medical Officer of Health.
Addresses of Infant Welfare Centres in West Ham :
Plaistow Maternity Charity, Howards Road, Plaistow.
South West Ham Health Society, 81 Barking Road.
Women's League of Service, Welfare Road, Stratford.
Trinity Mission, Oxford Road, Stratford.
Given-Wilson's Institute, Pelly Road, Plaistow.
Maternity Centre, St. Luke's Square, Tidal Basin.
Plaistow Maternity Centre, 66 Martin Street, Stratford.
Silvertown Municipal Centre, Westwood Road, Silvertown.
Town Hall, West Ham, E. 15.