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9
Hampden Road Infants.—Cases appeared second week in
October. Not closed.
Norbiton Infants.—Only a few cases. Not closed.
St. John's Infants.—Cases appeared first week in November.
School closed November 13th.
St. Paul's Infants.—Cases appeared first week in November.
School closed November 13th.
St. Agatha's.—The cases in this school were not very numerous.
Not closed.
The total number of cases was probably considerably over
1,000.
The results obtained were hardly commensurate with the
labour involved, and this I attribute to the fulminating character of
the outbreak.
The disease seems to come in cycles, usually in the
early spring months, and is probably influenced by climatic conditions
with which we are not acquainted. At the time of this
outbreak a dry September was following on a wet August. Unfortunately
there is no station for meteorological observations in the
Borough. The establishment of such a station in one of the Public
Gardens, would be most useful and of great interest and educational
advantage, whilst the cost would be infinitesimal.
Some teachers keep a much sharper eye on their pupils than
others, and when they notice children with symptoms suspicious of
infectious disease, send for me at once. These schools are certainly
those which suffer least from epidemics, but they are also
the nearest to my office, which may account for the readiness with
which I am called in. I am, however, strongly of opinion that
even a more intimate supervision of schools and school children
by Medical Officers, though entailing a small expenditure, would
in the long run effect great saving, by the increased efficiency of
education when applied to children of an improved physique.