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7
DIPHTHERIA.
The number of deaths from this disease was 36 ; and the number
notified, 105. This disease is more fatal than Scarlet Fever.
31 of these cases were removed to the Fever Hospitals.
TYPHOID FEVER.
The number of deaths from this disease was 22 during the
year, out of 101 notified to us. As defective drainage is one of
the principal sources of infection, it is very necessary when we
get notification of a case that the drains should be properly
tested, this is being carried out in every house where the
disease occurs.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
By the provisions of the Infectious Diseases Notification Act,
I am at once acquainted with the cases as they arise, during the
past year we have had a large number reported to us; and I
have no doubt that owing to the prompt action, which was
adopted in each particular case to prevent the spread of the
disease, was successful. Although a large number of these cases
was notified, we had not, during the year, what might be termed
an epidemic. These diseases were common to the whole of the
Metropolis. From the returns which I get from the Asylums
Board of all cases notified in London each week, I am enabled
to see at once in which districts they are occurring. Scarlet Fever
has been very general all through the year; I should like to have
introduced into my Report a copy of map of the Hamlet,
showing the exact locality of each of these diseases, but found
it impracticable. I have, however, in my office, this map, showing
the different diseases, and localizing them. The houses where
these diseases occurred, for the most part were found to be in a
very good sanitary state, where defects were found, notices were
served, and the necessary works carried out. Our system of disinfection
has been much improved of late, notices are served
on each house, drawing the attention to the provisions of the
Act; and a post card left for the occupants to fill up when the
patient is well enough to leave the room: this is returned to me,
and the disinfector, after burning sulphur in the room for twentyfour
hours, removes the clothing, and this is brought to our oven,
subjected to a high temperature, and returned to the owner.
The means of conveying the clothing through the street has
been likewise much improved, and is less objectionable than the
old iron truck; the two hand carts are respectable looking
carts, we find very little difficulty in disinfecting in nearly
seventy per cent, of the cases notified; this to be done
voluntarily speaks well for the common sense of the inhabitants,
and is also due to the ready help I find that is given by the
medical men in most cases in recommending the householder to
submit to our doing the disinfection instead of themselves.