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14
from such patients, as well as the stools, and all articles
contaminated by either or both of them, should be thoroughly
disinfected. From the successful results obtained by M.
Chautemesse, of Paris, by the use of anti-typhoid serum, it is
probable that this treatment will soon be introduced into
England.
Measles.—This disease is not usually notified, and it is not so
in this District. In 1895 there were only 2 deaths registered
from this disease, whereas in 1894 there were 19 deaths, so that
there must have been an epidemic. In London there were
2,629, and in 1894, 3,292 deaths from measles registered.
These do not represent the total number of deaths from
measles, for from enquiries made at the houses at which
children have died, and the death registered as respiratory
disease, I have found that in many cases the respiratory disease
was really caused by measles (or whooping cough.) With
so many deaths from measles the number of cases of this
disease every year in London must be enormous. This is not
surprising, as it is a very infectious disease; and, as a rule,
not the least attempt is made to prevent its spread, healthy
children generally being allowed to be in the same room
with the sick, and even in the same bed.
Hospitals for those cases that cannot be isolated at home,
and for those that cannot receive proper nursing and treatment
at home, which is usually the case in crowded one and
two-room tenements, are very much required, and would be
the means of very much reducing the death-rate of this
disease. Notification by the head of the family, in the
absence of any medical attendant, should be compulsory.
Last July I reported on this subject as follows :—