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6
by their generally healthy and robust appearance. In these
inspections, I was much assisted in what was really a formidable
task by Mr. Walker, the Sanitary Inspector. The services
of Nurse Renahan, whom the Council engaged at my suggestion
to nurse some of these cases, were much appreciated,
and proved of great service.
TYPHOID OR ENTERIC FEVER.
Only 2 cases of this disease occurred during the year, as
compared with 6 in 1899, and 8 in 1898. It is becoming every
year more certain that the ingestion of uncooked shell fish is
very frequently a cause of this dangerous disease, and the
public should be warned against a practice attended with such
grave risks. With the exception of 1 case of Enteric Fever,
which terminated fatally, after being removed to a Hospital
outside the district, the mortality from Notifiable Infectious
Sickness was nil.
WHOOPING COUGH.
There were many cases of this complaint in the autumn
and winter months of a severe type, and two deaths were due
to it. There is far too much carelessness in regard to this
disease, it being by no means infrequent to see a child in a
paroxysm of the cough in the streets, perhaps with a cold
east wind blowing. Many people seem to think that the best
cure for the complaint is to send the small patient out in all
weathers; this is a great mistake, and responsible for many
dangerous chest complications. It would be well to have it
included amongst the Notifiable Diseases; by this means
much suffering would be saved, and the mortality greatly
reduced.
In my Report for 1896, I called the attention of parents
and others to some simple and practical precautions to be
adopted in houses where Infectious Sickness has broken out,
or is prevalent in the district. Copies of these are kept at
the Council Offices, and will be supplied to any one making
application for them.
In every case of Infectious Sickness notified, the premises
were inspected by the Sanitary Inspector and myself, and all
proper precautions taken to prevent, as far as possible,
extension of the infection. After recovery, thorough disinfection
of the patient, clothing and premises, was carried out
under supervision.
PROVISION AGAINST INFECTIOUS SICKNESS.
Referring to my remarks last year on the need of providing
an Infectious Hospital, I am very glad to note that the
Council has made arrangements with two neighbouring