Deductions-The four cases contracted away from the borough were probably by improper care of excreta, the source of infection of the wells, sewers and milk supply (private), as will be seen by the location of cases in tabular report. This is further rendered more probable by the people thinking the public water supply contaminated, resorted more than usual to well water, also using it (well water) more freely on account of coolness of the water. The careless way in which excreta has been cared for, would in other cases tend to keep up the contamination. Recommendations. 1. All well and spring water be thoroughly boiled before using for any purpose. 2. All families in which typhoid fever exists be prohibited from selling milk, until such a time as the health officer can give them a proper certificate of freedom from infection. 3. The health officer to take care that the excreta are properly cared for by disinfection on the moment of evacuation, and buried at a point as remote as possible from any well or spring, and that the instructions of the attending physician are carried out. 4. The present sewer or drain be done away with as soon as possible, and a suitable and hygenic sewer system be constructed, or the earth closet substituted. 5. That the use of water from wells and springs be forbidden as soon as possible. 6. That the use of the well on Camp property, corner Church and Chestnut street be forbidden, and the well filled immediately. 3-INSPECTION OF PIGGERIES NEAR CARDINGTON, DELAWARE COUNTY. By W. B. ATKINSON, Medical Inspector, on account of atmospheric pollution. To the Secretary of the State Board of Health: December 3, 1894. Sir: I have the honor to report that in compliance with instructions received from you December 1, 1894, I visited Cardington, Delaware county, on December 3d, and found the following conditions to exist: Population very sparse. Surface drainage. The temperature was about 38 degrees, clear and bracing. I found about 500 pigs located in several pens on land owned by W. W————————, rented by I. L Son, and allowed by them to be occupied by C. M, I. G, P. M, W. W and F. C for the keeping of pigs. I examined the premises with care, and found that much of the nuisance arose from carelessness in feeding and cleaning, and the pres ence of a large amount of old garbage, and pig manure. The latter estimated at fifty tons. It had not been removed for several months. I suggest that all this filth be removed at once, and the place be kept clean; that the pig keepers be required to abstain from bringing to the place more garbage than the pigs consume. I feel sure that if these ideas be carried out much, if not all the trouble will be obviated. I learned that L was entitled to the manure, but removed it only as he needed it. 4-INSPECTION AT HATFIELD, MONTGOMERY COUNTY. By WM. B. ATKINSON, Medical Inspector, on account of Diphtheria. To the Secretary of the State Board of Health: December 6, 1894. Sir: I have the honor to report that in compliance with instructions received from you December 5, 1894, I visited Hatfield on December 6th, and found the following conditions to exist: K Population is about 650; not incorporated; no drainage. Water supply, ordinary wells. Diphtheria has prevailed here for some weeks. Two deaths have occurred. I could not ascertain how many cases had occurred, but was told there had been six or eight. In the family of S Z. K——, a farmer, two children had been ill. Peter, aged 10, taken sick on November 23, was in bed five days, with what the doctor pronounced diphtheria. He is now running about in the fields and appears in perfect health. Zella May, aged 4, taken sick with the same on November 24, in bed one day. Now out without any head or other covering save what she wore in the house. She looked pale, had a slight ulcer on one tonsil, but was regarded as well. The school had been closed, and precautions taken as far as I could learn. The time had passed for quarantine if any need of it had existed. Under these conditions I have no suggestions to make. |