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excess is due to a larger return under the headings of Measles,
Diarrhœa and Diphtheria. The deaths in the last named
division having increased from 103 to 155. But Typhoid Fever,
Scarlet Fever, and Whooping Cough record a decline.
On the 31st day of October, the Notification of Infectious
Diseases Act, came into operation. By this measure, the notification
of certain scheduled infectious diseases occuring within the
several districts comprised in the Metropolitan area is made
compulsory. Neglect in giving information is punishable by a
penalty. The medical man in attendance, and the householder or
relative in charge are the persons liable.
The systematic notification of infectious disease, whilst largely
augmenting the usefulness of the Sanitary department, has in no
small measure added to its labour. A rule of the department,
defining the duty of the Sanitary Inspector when called upon to
inspect any place in which a case of infectious disease has occurred,
runs as follows:—" When the Inspector is called upon to make
an inspection of any part of a house, he shall make an enquiry
into the sanitary condition of the whole of the premises, and if in
such house any case of contagious or infectious disease exist, or
has recently occurred, the drains shall also be tested."
A large number of cases, it may be observed, now find a place
upon the Inspectors Report Books, which except through the
instrumentality of the Notification Act, would have run their course
without notice. The expenditure of time resulting from that which
may be regarded as wholly additional work is difficult to estimate.
That it is considerable may be gathered from a consideration of
the detail of inspection, isolation and disinfection carried out in
accordance with the rules of the Department in each individual
case. But this routine in many cases is only the prelude to the
commencement of further operations. In a section of the houses
notified as infectious, comprising a large percentage of the whole
number, Sanitary defects are found upon inspection.