View report page

103
2.—Measles (decennial average 24.7).
In 1899, there was again an epidemic from measles in
the Metropolis, and 2,143 deaths were referred to it. In
St. Giles District, the deaths were 16, all young children.
In November the disease was at its height and one of
the elementary schools adjoining the district, where many
of the children of parishioners attended, had to be temporarily
closed in consequence.
Upon my reporting this outbreak to your Sanitary
Committee the following resolutions were adopted:—
1. "That the proposal of the Medical Officer of Health
to address a communication to the Head Masters and Head
Mistresses of Elementary schools in the district on the
subject of the prevalence of measles be approved."
The following is a copy of the letter addressed to the
Teachers accordingly:—
Dear Madam (or Sir),
At the present time measles is very prevalent in this district and
its immediate neighbourhood.
I have been enquiring into the matter, and find that there are a
large number of children attending school from the infected houses.
You are no doubt aware that measles is not a disease which is compulsorily
notifiable under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, and
therefore very great difficulty is experienced in ascertaining the existence
of cases.
May I suggest that with a view of co-operating with the Board in
the matter you should, in any case in which it comes to your knowledge
that measles has broken out, exclude from attendance at school all children
coming from infected families ?
So far as cases in this District are concerned, I shall feel obliged
by your sending me information of all of which you may become aware.
I enclose a list, which I have had prepared, of the premises in this
District, where, at the present date, measles is known to exist.
I am, dear Madam (or Sir),
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) S. R. LOVETT.
Medical Officer of Health.