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6. All cups, spoons, knives and forks, etc., used, require thorough
cleansing before use by others. No food, not required for immediate
use, should be kept in the occupied room.
7. Consumptive mothers should not suckle their babies; and
consumptive men should be clean shaven to prevent soiling of
moustache or beard by expectoration. Neither should kiss or be
kissed except on the cheek or forehead.
8. As the tubercle bacilli are killed by sunlight, plenty of fresh air
and light in the bedrooms, in the house and in the surroundings of
the patient, is the best medicine, the best preventative for those
about him, and the best antidote to the microbe.
9. The clothing should be of wool next to the skin, and amply
sufficient to enable the patient to bear the necessary amount of fresh
air in the living and sleeping rooms and to be comfortably warm
when outdoors.
10. Thorough cleanliness in and about the house; fresh air, and
plenty of it; plain food, and a plentiful supply of fat in it; and the
avoidance of all excesses, are absolutely essential.
By carrying out these simple precautions a consumptive is a perfectly
harmless person, free from danger to others, and may work in the same
room or workshop with his tubercle free companions, and be no danger
to them.
He may lead a useful life and perform his duties of citizenship
without let or hindrance, and with the probability of improvement in
health and possible cure of his complaint.
Consumptives are advised to give notice to the Medical Officer of
Health of any change of address, and that Officer will be pleased to
help them by advice at any time.
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs other than
Phthisis.—These caused 233 deaths, compared with 213 in 1908,
299 in 1907, 208 in 1906, and 236 in 1905.
OTHER DISEASES.
Erysipelas.—Seven deaths resulted from this disease, four being
in persons under one year of age.
The deaths from Erysipelas are yearly a negligible quantity, and
many of those notified as suffering from it are well in a few days.