[Report 1898] / Medical Officer of Health, Chatham Borough.

  • Chatham (Kent, England). Borough Council.
Date:
1898
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: [Report 1898] / Medical Officer of Health, Chatham Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    6/18 (page 4)
    From Phthisis, or Tuberculosis, 87 Deaths were registered, the numbers in 1897 being 75, and in 1896—84. Mortality per 1000—2*5. This Disease (Phthisis) is one of the great scourges of this country —being responsible for nearly 60,000 deaths per annum. During the past few years unrloubted evidence of its infective character has accum- ulated, and what may be called a National Endeavour has been inaugurated with the object of doing something which should lessen this huge mortality. The Disease is primarily due to the presence of a bacillus which is found in the diseased tissues, and which is abundant in the sputum, or expectoration of phthisical persons. It has also been found in the milk of tuberculous animals, and is probably present n the flesh of animals suffering from this disease. Given these facts we can judge on what lines to proceed in endeavouring to prevent the spread of tubercle. It has been suggested that the Disease should be included in the list of Notifiable Diseases, but in consequence of its long duration, and the utter impracticability of placing the sufferer under such restrictions and regulations as are applicable to the infective fevers, such a measure would be unlikely to be of use. The most practical means seem to be in the direction of educating the public as to the true nature of the Disease, and the manner in which it spreads. As regards the individual sufferer, he must be careful about his expectoration. This material dries and is disseminated in the form of dust, which may be inhaled by others and so set up the Disease, therefore it ought always to be voided into some receptacle containing a disinfectant, and destroyed as frequently as possible. A like care is necessary with handkerchiefs, which are often used to receive expectoration. It is probable that the proper disinfection and cleansing of rooms occupied Phthisical cases would be useful. All milk should be boiled or sterilized before use, and the strictest regu- lation of dairies and milk shops by the proper authorities should be enforced. The question of destroying the flesh of animals showing signs of tubercle is still undecided. Some authorities consider that if the diseased parts are removed the rest of the carcass is quite safe, whilst others would destroy the whole carcass of an infected animal. In either case the importance of having all meat passed by a skilled inspector will be acknowledged. I can only in a Report of this nature briefly allude to this very important subject, besides the special channels of infection above indicated. What may be called the resisting powers of individuals is of importance, and any condition which tends to lower or depress the health of a population is in one sense a contributory cause of the prevalence of this Disease. Such general sanitary measures as conduce to the general well being of a locality are therefore of much importance. Pure air and sunlight, well paved streets and yards, good through ventilation of dwellings, the provision of damp proof courses in all new houses, a pure and abund- ant water supply, a thorough and efficient removal of refuse of every description from the vicinity of houses, all aid in reducing the amount of illness and mortality from this and from other diseases. Diseases of the Heart caused 74 Deaths, against 60 in the previous year, and 22 Deaths were due to different forms of violence.