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3
The deaths from phthisis number two more than last
year. In my report for last year I remarked at some length
upon the infectious nature of this disease, and made some
suggestions as to what precautions might be taken to lessen
the danger of infection. It would, I think, be of service to
have these printed so that copies may be distributed to households
in which the disease exists. I suggest also that the
medical men of the district be invited to notify all cases of
this disease coming under their notice, and that a fee of 2s. 6d.
be paid for each notification. In this way the cases will be
brought directly under the notice of the Sanitary Officers
and kept uuder observation. The mortality from whooping
cough was high owing to an extensive and long-continued
epidemic of the disease in the early months of the year.
As showing the infective nature of phthisis it has been
proved that nearly one-third of the public-house servants in
London and the surrounding districts die of censumption.
This is due to the inhaling of germs that fill the air of the
bars after the floors (on which persons affected with the
disease have expectorated) have been swept, the sputum
drying in the night and being raised in the air when the floors
are swept in the early morning.
In Germany the death-rate from this disease has by
means of the open air treatment and strict precautions been
reduced in the last six years 12 points, viz., from 31-0 per
10,000 of population to 19 per 10,000. In England it has
only been reduced 5 points, viz., from 24.0 per 10,000 to 19.0.
It may with truth be said of the disease that it may be
cured, can be avoided, and ought to be prevented.
Fortunately steps are being taken to provide a Sanatorium
in Middlesex for the open air treatment of consumption, a
pnblic meeting having been held at the Guildhall in November
last at which a provisional executive committee to consider
the best means of starting the scheme was appointed. It is
greatly to be hoped that this movement will be carried to a
successful result, and it is well worthy of support and encouragement.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Sixty-four cases of infectious diseases were notified
during the year, being an increase of 11 over last year. They
are classed as follows:—