Annual report of the Provincial Board of Health of Ontario, Canada.

  • Provincial Board of Health of Ontario.
Date:
[1918]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report of the Provincial Board of Health of Ontario, Canada. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    206/236 (page 190)
    Deaths.—Continued. Convulsions . 1 Acute indigestion . 1 Cancer . 3 Tuberculosis . 3 Apoplexy . 1 Heart failure . 4 Meningitis . 2 Old age . 1 Diarrhoea . 1 Hardening arteries. 1 Ulcer of stomach . 1 Accident . 2 • Pneumonia . 2 Pneumonia and influenza.•. 16 Total . 51 Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. Oct. Nov. Dec, Measles . 1 1 l .. i Mumps . .. i l . . ] ] [ Typhoid . .. .. .. 3 Influenza . .. .. .. 40 (200).. !! According to reports made to the Secretary of the Local Board of Health, the number of contagious (diseases in the municipality during the year 1918 was very few and the spread of same was not noticeable. The Influenza Epidemic. Judging by newspaper reports and hearsay, other places suffered from this epidemic more severely than this municipality. Although it is impossible to estimate exactly, it is probable that during the last three months of the year the number of cases in the town would be from 200 to 250. The number of deaths reported from this cause was sixteen. To those who have watched the course of this disease it is quite apparent that when nursing and proper care were provided the patient had every chance of recovery. In most of the cases where death occurred, especially at first, there was generally some cause in addition to the epidemic that lessened the chance of recovery. In this con¬ nection the Board wishes to express its appreciation of the action of the Council in establishing and maintaining the Emergency Hospital. There can be no doubt this action did great good, not only in saving lives, but also in diminishing suffering and controlling the spread of the disease. Milk Tests. During the year a number of milk tests were made. As a rule the test of milk for butter fat was satisfactory. In regard to cleanliness, however, the first test proved that there was something radically wrong in the manner of handling milk. The results of these tests were made public and a very marked improvement was observed in respect of cleanliness almost immediately. On August 15th the District Officer of Health, Dr. W. E. George, visited the town, and this was one of the chief matters that received his attention. The District Officer of Health was particularly strong in his condemnation of the “ one-cow dairy.” There has, however, been so much difficulty obtaining milk that the Board has felt that it could not be too stringent in this matter. The matter of milk supply is one of the difficult questions still to be settled. Deferred Business. The following matters should receive the attention of next year’s board: — Installing of sewer and water in all houses which are on the mains. Regular inspection of stables. Regular milk tests from all who sell milk. Regular water tests. Inspection of houses to prevent overcrowding. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. W. Walker, Secretary. R. Moore, M.D., M.O.H.