View report page

15
MORTALITY FROM PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS.
The deaths registered in 1909 were 7, against 10 in 1908
and 12 in 1907. The 7 deaths were distributed as follows:—
1 in West Barnes, 4 in Bushey Mead and 2 in the Abbey
Ward, the Ward having the largest population having the
largest number of deaths.
The Order of the Local Government Board making the
notification of Poor Law consumptives compulsory has been m
force for the past year, but no notifications belonging to the
District have been received. Although voluntary notification
is not in force, by courtesy of the London County Council.s
Medical Officer, 3 cases were notified from the Brompton Hospital.
These cases were visited and re.visited by Mr. Pointon,
who supplied the patients with antiseptics and saw that the
advice in the following pamphlet was not neglected:—
MERTON URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.
prevention of tuberculosis.
This disease is infectious, and can spread to healthy
people unless precautions are taken.
The spit of the affected person contains the germs,
which after being dried can be carried in the air as fine
dust. This infected dust may not only be breathed by
others but also swallowed if deposited in food.
The patient should sleep in a room by himself, with
the windows quite open.
The phlegm should be coughed in the flask, into which
disinfectant is placed. If the patient is well enough to
walk about, the flask is to be carried in the pocket. The
contents are to be burnt.