View report page

48 Sanitary Administration.
are notified as to the occurrence of infectious disease in the homes.
Before returning to work, if they have been excluded by the
employer, they are given a certificate signed by the Medical Officer
of Health stating that the premises have been disinfected.
Contacts of Diphtheria are advised to go to their doctor and
have swabs taken from their throats.
It would here be appropriate to lay stress on the necessity for
swabbing contacts' throats, because, during the past year, such
swabbing has revealed the presence of the Diphtheria bacillus in
the throats of apparently healthy persons.
Clinically there was nothing in the appearance of the throats
to indicate Diphtheria, but the result of swabbing proved that the
contacts were a danger to others.
Where cases are kept at home, the Medical Officer of Health
has to be satisfied that such persons are effectually isolated so as
to prevent the spread of the disease.
In such cases, the purveyor of milk is notified of the existence
of their being treated at home, and a separate can or bottle
is left at the premises for the occupier's sole use. The can or bottle
being destroyed after the illness.
The Laundry used is also notified of the existence of the case.
After the termination of the case, and the premises have been
disinfected, the laundry and purveyor of milk are both notified that
the premises have been disinfected.
In those cases where library books have been used or have
been in contact with the patient either directly or indirectly, they
are destroyed at the Disinfecting Station and compensation for
them paid to the Library by the Council.
All bedding and other articles used by a patient are removed
in a special van to the Disinfecting Station at the Hospital. The
premises are thoroughly inspected by the Assistant Inspector, and,
where necessary, notice is served by the Medical Officer of Health
to secure the abatement of any nuisances discovered.