View report page

89
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND MEASURES
TAKEN TO PREVENT THEIR SPREADING.
During the year 1,014 cases of Infectious Diseases were notified:
they represent 849 infected premises.
Upon receipt of the notification, investigation is at once made at the
house invaded as to the probable source of the infection and the
general circumstances of the home and family.
If removal to Hospital is indicated or desired, this is carried out as
far as our accommodation will permit.
Nearly 80 per cent. of Diphtheria and about 65 per cent. of Scarlet
Fever cases were so dealt with.
Cases of Erysipelas are not removed to Hospital, nor is there any
provision for cases of Enteric Fever.
The need for isolation hospital accommodation and early removal of
the latter was exemplified during the year by the number of secondary
cases that occurred.
Of the total notified, 37, eight were due to infection from those
nursed at home.
Handbills are left, tor home-treated cases, with full instructions, and
following on recovery or removal, the premises and infected clothing are
disinfected.
Where considered necessary, the Medical Officers of other districts
are notified as to the efficiency of isolation and the probable chances of
infection being carried to their districts.
Children from infected homes are not permitted to attend school,
and the provisions as to work carried on in infected dwellings are
enforced in accordance with the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901.
The Sunday School Authority is also advised as to the wisdom of
exclusion from Sunday School of children from infected dwellings, and
I believe invariably the advice given was acted upon. All home-treated
cases are revisited and kept under observation to see that the usual
and necessary precautions are carried out.