HH62/45/115

Transcription

[Page] 22

Small-pox caused 1 death. Three cases of the disease occurred. The infection
was carried from the North of England by a tramp. He had never been vaccinated,
and, as is usual in such cases, the disease proved to be of a most malignant type,
death occurring on the twelfth day. Re-vaccination of all the members of the house-
hold with whom he had been in contact was carried out so soon as the case was
recognised, and its efficacy, even after exposure to infection for a week, was proved
by only two out of seven being affected by the disease, which, in their case, was
of the very mildest type.
Typhus Fever. - Two isolated cases were reported. In neither could the source
of infection be traced; neither was there any extension of the disease, although the
conditions were favourable for this.
Scarlet Fever caused no deaths, but 23 cases of the disease were reported, all of
them in scattered groups; and the means of isolation adopted (in one instance, the
closing of the Public School) were effective in stamping it out.
Enteric Fever. - Two deaths were caused by this disease, and five cases were
reported. All the cases were solitary, except one in January, which was the last of
a small outbreak in a house referred to last year as deriving its water-supply from the
Forth. The water-supply has now been much improved. Two of the remaining
cases were traced to insanitary condition of premises, and the other two were
imported from without.
Diphtheria caused 6 deaths, or 3.8 of the total. Fifteen cases were reported,
and all were traced to insanitary conditions of the houses in which they occurred.
The conditions have been remedied.
Two cases of Measles were reported, but there was no extension of the outbreak.
Whooping Cough caused 5 deaths, and 40 cases were reported. The disease
prevailed chiefly in the early months of the year.
Monthly Returns of registered Births and Deaths have been regularly forwarded
by the Registrars, who have thus rendered valuable help during the year.

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Eastern District.

1. The Sanitary Condition of the Eastern District has, during the past year,
steadily improved, although not to the same extent as that of the other four Districts.
The local Sanitary Inspectors, considering themselves to be under-paid, have not been
animated by the spirit required for an effectual aggressive Sanitary reform, although,
when called upon to take action in connection with Infectious Diseases, they have given
most loyal assistance.
A great deal of satisfactory work has been done in connection with the removal
of sanitary defects in the more populous parts of the District, and there are other
improvement schemes which are still in progress. In view of the threatened invasion
of Cholera in the autumn, Water-Supplies received special attention. Some suspected
sources were found, on analysis, to be quite pure; in one case, a supply of good quality,
but deficient quantity, was replaced by an ample one, whilst many wells, liable to
surface pollution, were ordered to be cleaned and made safe.
Public Schools have been examined, and found to be in a very satisfactory
condition.
The Dairy Bye-Laws have been found to work well, and the special provision,
which insists on the stoppage of the sale of milk when Infectious Disease occurs at a
dairy-farm until the Sanitary Authorities are satisfied that isolation is complete, has
been of good service.
Slaughter-houses have demanded a considerable share of attention during the
year. One has been closed in favour of new premises, and another has been put into
good order.
2. General Inspections in the District have been made frequently with a view to
ascertain the sanitary conditions and the habits of the people. On several occasions
Special Inspections were required in consequence of complaints of insanitary
conditions. Cases of Infectious Disease have also involved frequent visits.
3. Advice has been given in connection with Nuisances and Dwelling-houses,
and on all occasions the recommendations given have been carried out.
No action has been called for on the part of the Local Authority of the District
in connection with the Factory and Workshops Act.
4. Retail Bakehouses have been frequently examined and found to be in good
order; one, in particular, has been much improved by the carrying out of suggested
alterations. One young person was found employed, and reported to H.M. Inspector
of Factories.
5. The arrangement by which the Eastern District obtained a right to send, for
five years, cases of Infectious Disease to the Perth Royal Infirmary has been com-
pleted and fully taken advantage of. Six patients were admitted during the year.
The Medical Officer has ample opportunities of supervising, and is completely
satisfied with the treatment and isolation provided. For Small-pox cases a portable
Hospital has been provided, which will accommodate four patients along with a nurse.
6. To prevent the Outbreak of Infectious Disease, every effort has been made to
improve the sanitary condition of the Dwellings, as well as to ensure pure Water-

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