USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1918 > Part 15
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38
Deaths at Emergency Hospital for Influenza . .
103
30
214
ANNUAL REPORTS.
DEATHS BY AGES.
AGES.
Total.
Male.
Female.
Under one
188
109
79
One to two
46
20
26
Two to three
31
15
16
Three to four
13
6
7
Four to five
12
5
7
Five to ten
33
16
17
Ten to fifteen
45
22
23
Twenty to thirty
182
71
111
Thirty to forty
190
85
105
Forty to fifty
116
61
55
Fifty to sixty
128
72
56
Sixty to seventy
189
96
93
Seventy to eighty
210
91
119
Eighty to ninety
108
40
68
Ninety and over
18
6
12
Total
1533
727
806
24
12
12
Fifteen to twenty
.
215
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Mortality in Somerville in 1918.
January.
February.
March.
April.
May.
June.
July .
August.
September.
October.
November.
December.
Total.
I. GENERAL DISEASES.
(A. Epidemic Diseases. )
Scarlet fever
Diphtheria
3
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
19
Typhoid fever
2
1
1
1
5
Cerebro-spinal meningitis.
1
1
52
1:26
21
213
Pertussis
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
9
( B. Other General Diseases. )
Septicemia
1
1
2
1
2
1
8.
Pernicious anæmia
1
1
1
1
3
Cancer of breast
1
1
2
7
Cancer of intestines
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
Cancer of stomach
2
1
1
1
Cancer of rectum
1
1
Cancer uterus
3
2
1
1
1
2
11
Cancer other forms
2
1
5
2
1
4
2
3
4
3
31
Diabetes
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
9
Tuberculosis pulmonary
9
6
7
7
4
S
3
6
8
6
4
75
Tuberculosis other forms
2
1
2
1
1
2
9
Erysipelas
1
1
·2
1
1
6
Neuritis
Purpura hemorrhagica
1
1
Rachitis
1
1
Hernia
2
1
3
2
1
·2
1
1
1
1
9
Lymphatic Leuchaemia
1
1
1
Status Lymphaticus
1
1
2
II. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Meningitis
1
1
2
5
6
9
8
9
6
9
5
5
4
6
10
85
Hemiplegia
1
1
Eclampsia
1
1
Locomotor ataxia
1
1
2
Myelitis
III. DISEASES OF THE CIRCULA- TORY SYSTEM.
Heart disease
8
6
8
9
12
3
10
5
10
7
90
Endocarditis
3
3
4
1
3
1
3
Myocarditis
3
3
1
5
2
2
2
3
7
5
2
38
Angina pectoris
1
2
1
1
1
6
Aneurism of aorta
1
1
1
1
1
5
Regurgitation
1
1
3
1
3
3
2
3
2
25
Pericarditis
IV. DISEASES OF THE RESPIRA- TORY SYSTEM.
Pneumonia
16
19
22
23
7
5
10
4
60
105
37
323
Bronchitis
2
3
3
2
1
1
2
1
1
10
Asthma
1
1
Empyema
1
1
1
3
Laryngitis
1
1
Influenza
2
2
1
1
8
2
1
1
1
2
20
Abscess
1
1
1
3
Syphilis
Paralysis
1
2
1
3
7
Pulmonary œdema
1
1
2
5
3
18
Acidosis
Rheumatism
Streptococcus infection of neck ..
1
1
Apoplexy
2
Measles
1
1
2
5
2
6
15
1
:216
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Mortality in Somerville in 1918 .- Concluded.
January.
February.
March.
April.
May.
June.
July.
August.
September.
October.
November.
December.
Total.
V. DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.
Acute indigestion
1
1
1
3
Colitis
1
5
Gastritis
1
1
Peritonitis.
1
1
·2
Diarrhea.
1
2
1
1
Gastric ulcer
1
1
3
1
2
1
2
1
3
6
4
1
1
25
Gall stones
1
1
Intestinal obstruction
1
1
1
3
Appendicitis
1
1
1
Intestinal toxæmia
1
1
Cirrhosis liver
1
1
·2
1
1
Ptomaine poisoning
VI. DISEASES OF GENITO-URI- NARY SYSTEM.
· Bright's disease
2
1
1
1
1
6
Uræmia.
1
1
2
1
1
12
6
3
5
1
6
3
2
6
3
6
60
Cystitis
1
1
1
3
Prostatitis
1
VII. CHILDBIRTH.
Placenta previa
Childbirth
VIII. DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND CELLULAR TISSUES.
1
. .Scurvy
1
1
Herpes zostes
1
1
Pityriasis
1
1
IX. MALFORMATIONS. Hydrocephalus
X. EARLY INFANCY.
Malnutrition
2
1
1
2
2
2
3
2
2
17
Premature birth and congenital debility
8
6
6
9
9
8
6
2
2
12
3
5
76
Atalectasis"
1
1
1
1
4
Asphyxia neonatorum
1
.1
XI. OLD AGE.
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
10
13
6
13
11
10
12
11
5
8
21
12
11
133
XII. VIOLENCE.
Accidental burns from fire
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
Accidental fall
5
Accidental gas poisining
5
Accidental poisoning
Accidental strangulation.
1
1
Fracture of skull
1
1
Exposure
Homicide.
1
1
Railroad
1
1
Struck by automobile.
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
10
Suicide
2
5
1
1
2
1
2
14
Surgical shock
1
1
1
1
Alcoholism
1
1
XIII
Unknown
1
1
Total.
106
102
124 117 95
86
94
70
171 334 88
146 1533
Population (estimated ) ..
91,000
Death rate per thousand
16.846
1
1
2
Accidental burns from hot water
2
2
1
3
1
1
2
2
Drowning
6
Nephritis
1
Gangrene
1
Senile dementia
Arterio sclerosis
2
2
Enteritis
·
217
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Diseases Dangerous to the Public Health.
This board has adjudged that the diseases known as acti- nomycosis, anterior poliomyelitis, anthrax, Asiatic cholera, cerebro-spinal meningitis, chicken-pox, diphtheria, dog-bite (re- quiring anti-rabic treatment), dysentery, German measles, glanders, hookworm disease, infectious disease of the eye, in- fluenza, leprosy, malaria, measles, mumps, pellagra, plague, pneumonia (lobar only), rabies, scarlet fever, septic sore throat, small pox, tetanus, trichinosis, tuberculosis (all forms), typhoid fever, typhus fever, whooping cough, yellow fever, are infectious, or contagious and dangerous to the public health and safety within the meaning of the statutes. Physicians are required to report immediately to the board every case of either of these diseases coming under their care, and postal cards conveniently printed and addressed are supplied to them for the purpose. On receipt of a card from a physician, the principal of the school in the district in which the patient re- sides, the librarian of the public library and state board of health are notified.
Specimens and Supplies.
Outfits for specimens to be examined for tuberculosis, diphtheria, and typhoid fever, and diphtheria anti-toxin, vac- cine lymph and nitrate of silver solution may be obtained at the laboratory and at the following places :-
R. A. Peckham, 154 Perkins street. Edward Edwards, 25 Union square.
Willis S. Furbush & Co., 1153 Broadway. Hall Drug Co., Hobbs building, Davis square. Ernest B. McClure, 529 Medford street.
John Morrison, 288 Highland avenue. Richardson Pharmacy, 310 Broadway. George E. Wardrobe, 693 Broadway.
Hereafter the Agent of this Board will collect, daily, at five o'clock, p. m., all specimens left at culture stations for ex- amination, prior to that hour.
Physicians desiring reports on the following day, of speci- mens taken after this collection has been made must deposit the same at the City Hall Annex, in the receptacle provided, before nine-thirty p. m.
Results of all examinations of specimens received at the City Hall Annex prior to nine-thirty p. m., will be reported to the physicians on the following morning.
218
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Influenza.
In the fall and winter of 1918 the Board of Health had to cope with an epidemic of influenza.
September 25th, 1918 a regulation was adopted by the Board of Health, making influenza a reportable disease from September 15, 1918, which first gave an idea of the extent of this disease.
Influenza was made reportable by the State Department of Health, October 5, 1918.
There was a steady increase in the number of cases re- ported to October 4, when the disease reached its height, then a gradual decline to December 5, when there appeared a recru- descence which reached its height on December 30.
The total number of cases of influenza and its complica- tions reported to the Board of Health, from September 15, 1918, to December 31, 1918, inclusive, was 9,410, with a mor- tality of 332.
The mortality rate of this city, per thousand of population, increased from 11.77 in 1917 to 16.84 in 1918, primarily due to influenza and its complications of pneumonia:
Owing to lack of hospital accommodations, it became neces- sary to open an emergency hospital, which was done Septem- ber 30, 1918, when the Board of Health, in conjuction with His Honor, the Mayor, and the Committee on Public Safety hired the buildings at Nos. 12 and 14 Pleasant Avenue.
The hospital was operated from September 30, to Novem- ber 30, inclusive, covering a period of thirty-nine days. '
During that time ninety patients were given 754 days of treatment, an average of 8.377 days per patient. There were- thirty deaths.
Table Showing Comparison Between 1917 and 1918 in Prevalence, Deaths Reported and Percentage of Deaths of Scar- let Fever, Diphtheria, Typhoid Fever and Tuberculosis.
SCARLET FEVER.
DIPHTHERIA.
TYPHOID FEVER.
TUBERCULOSIS ALL FORMS.
Cases
Reported.
Number of
Deaths.
Percentage
of Deaths.
Reported.
Number of
Deaths.
Percentage
of Deaths.
Reported.
Number of
Deaths.
Cases
Reported.
Number of
Deaths.
Percentage
of Deaths.
1917 1918 1917 1918 1917 1918 1917 1918 1917 1918 1917
1917 1918 1917 1918
1917
1918
1917 1918 1917 1918
1917
1918
January
1'2
12
15
17
-
3
6.6
16.47
1.4
15
-
9
28.0
60.0
February
15
17
1
1-4
2
16.6
14.29
1
16
77.7
37.5
March
35
14
28
25
3
2 10.7
8.00
13
19
7
7
41.2
33.3
May
13
30
20
13.3
11
21
10
8
71.1
38.1
June
1'2
3
18
16
5.5
6.25
-
23
13
8
6
34.7
46.1
July
14
3
19
15
2
10.5
6.67
August
3
-
6
1.2
-
16.6
8.33
-
11
11.
3
1
21.1
30.9
September
-
16.6
7
19
-
1 11.2
5.26
-
-
20.0
21
21
7
7
8
33.3
114.3
November
27
6
2.4
53
3
1
12.5
1.88
1
1
50.00
12
6
33.3
175.0
December
11
38
31
2
2
5.2
6.45
2
1
1
50.0
1.4
11
-
78.6
36.3
Total
209
103
3
1.4
255
260
21
19
9.4
7.3
25
15
6
21.0
13.3
184
167
85
84
46.2
50,3
..
-
=: 1
17
21
April
2.4
14
1
4.1
25
2.1
-
-
1
1
1
1
-4.7
7.14
2
100.0
October ..
14
5
21
1.4
1
-
)
25.0
16
33.3
52.2
1
1 4.0
6.67
..
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
219
MONTHS.
Cases
Cases
Percentage
of Deaths.
107.6
47.2
28.6
90.8
6.6
1918
ANNUAL REPORTS.
TYPHOID FEVER.
DIPHTHERIA.
SCARLET FEVER.
MONTHS.
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
9
10
11.
6
31
11
14 10
16 7
6
January
. .
1
:
1
...
2
2
1
1
March
2
1
1
1
4
'2
2
4
April
..
...
2
2
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
5 9 11
5
5
7
3
2 10
9
7
6
9
8
3
9
June
7.
..
1
1
1
1
...
2
1
2
1
1
1
...
. ..
1
3
1
1
1
4
..
...
..
..
...
1
-
1
4
...
1
3
1
4
2
'2
1
. .
...
. ..
...
. .
-
December
9
5
1 :
-
2
3
:
27 20 15 14 13 25 18 21 24 19
8
6
Total
Deaths from Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, Typhoid Fever, and Tuberculosis in the Last Ten Years.
TUBERCULOSIS ALL FORMS.
4
9
-
1
:
3
3
February
7 94
8
5
3
11 7
7
10 7| 6|13
8
8
7
8
5
9
8
6
May ...
... ...
..
2
1
1
1
1
'2
1
..
July ..
5 4 7
6
4
3
4
11;
6 8
August
9 10
6
N 10
6
1
...
1
1
3
5
3.
3
1
2
1
1
. .
..
1
1
7
11
11 10
4|14|
6
6 11
4
October.
2
November
90 92 99 91 :87 95 74| 108 85,84
6
'2
2
9
8
8
5
..
-
8 8 5 10 6 9 10
10 14
9
...
1
.. .
9
5 10
10 12 10 4
2
4
4|
4
8
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
..
..
2
8
7 8
September
5 6
6 5
9
7
6
10 1
6
1
. . .
1
1
2
2
. .
1
..
...
8
1
.. .
-
1
. .
..
..
1
-
.
221
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Table of Deaths During the Last Ten Years.
Rate per
Year.
No. of Deaths. 988
1.000 .
1909
13.08
1910
1,043
13.45
1911
1,035
12.93
1912
983
12.13
1913
993
12.11
1914
990
11.65
1915
1,003
11.55
1916
1,081
12.01
1917
1,067
11.85
1918
1,533
16.84
Average death rate per 1,000 for ten years
12.75
Table Showing the Five Principal Causes of Death in Somerville in 1918.
PNEUMONIA.
INFLUENZA.
ARTERIO SCLEROSIS.
HEART DISEASE.
TUBERCULOSIS ALL FORMS.
Number of Deaths.
Number per
10,000 of Pop.
Number of
Deaths.
Number per
10,000 of Pop.
Number of
Deaths.
Number per
10,000 of Pop.
Number of
Deaths.
Number per
10,000 of Pop.
Number of
Deaths.
Number per
10,000 of Pop.
323
35.0
213
22.2
133
14.6
90
9.8
9.3
Medical Inspection of Schools.
The medical inspection of the schools of Somerville, which was instituted in December, 1907, has been continued during - the year. The value of the system has been constantly dem- onstrated, and the work has been done in a very satisfactory manner. There has been harmony of action between the board of health and the school board, and the school principals and . teachers have very generally co-operated with the inspectors in making the system as successful as possible.
The inspectors make daily visits to the schools under their charge, and to them are referred all children who show evi- dences of disease or abnormal conditions. Children who are- found to be unfit to remain in school are sent home, accom- panied by a slip properly filled out advising that the family physician be consulted. The inspectors also make an annual inspection of all the children in the schools, and any defects discovered are called to the attention of the parents. Monthly inspections of the school buildings and premises are made, and. suggestions or criticisms are referred to the proper authori -- ties. Every effort is made to protect the health of the chil- dren and to co-operate with the parents in keeping the children. in as normal a condition as possible.
ANNUAL REPORTS.
In accordance with the provisions of the statute, tests of sight and hearing are made by the principals or teachers.
The districts and inspectors are as follows :-
District No. 1 .- Eastern Junior High, Prescott, Hanscom, Edgerly and Boys' Vocational schools. Inspector, Dr. Francis Shaw, 57 Cross street.
District No. 2 .- Baxter, Knapp, Perry and Southern Jun- ior High schools. Inspector, Dr. Edward J. Dailey, 46 Bow street.
District No. 3 .- Bennett, Pope, Cummings and Proctor schools. Inspector, Dr. L. H. Raymond, 146 Highland avenue.
District No. 4 .- Morse, Carr, Durell, Burns and Girls' Vo- cational schools. Inspector, Dr. W. L. Bond, 322 Highland avenue.
District No. 5 .- Brown, Bingham, Forster and Northern Junior High schools. Inspector, Dr. H. M. Stoodley, 283 High- land avenue.
District No. 6 .- Western Junior High, Lincoln, Highland, Cutler and Lowe schools. Inspector, Dr. H. Cholerton, 94 Col- lege avenue.
District No. 7 .- Glines and High schools. Inspector, Dr. Edgar F. Sewall, 281 Broadway.
Parochial Schools .- Inspector, Dr. M. W. White, 21 Wal- nut street.
During the year, 8,921 children have been referred to the inspectors during their daily visits, and 394 have been sent home because of illness.
The following list will show the classes of diseases and de- fects which have been found in the schools, except defects of sight and hearing :-
List of Diseases and Number of Cases Reported.
- 1. Infectious diseases : -
Measles
1,280
Whooping cough
23
Chicken pox
151
Mumps
16
Scarlet fever ·
5
Tuberculosis
2
Influenza .
903
Total .
2,380
2. Diseases of the nose and throat :-
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
1,961
Inflammatory diseases .
356
Other abnormal conditions
187
Total
2,504
3. Diseases of the eyes :-
Inflammatory conditions of the eyes and lids 94
Foreign bodies and injuries .
3
Other abnormal conditions .
.
28
Total
125
223
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
4. Diseases of the ears :-
Inflammatory conditions .
12
Other abnormal conditions
6
Total
18
5. Diseases of the skin:
Pediculosis
2,394
Impetigo
105
Scabies
37
Eczema
125
Tinea
1-
Herpes
19
Miscellaneous conditions
701
Total
3,388
6. Miscellaneous diseases : -
Constitutional diseases
Diseases of the digestive system
208
Diseases of the respiratory system
126
Diseases of the circulatory system
1
Diseases of the lymphatic system
6
Diseases of the nervous system
2
Wounds and injuries
11
Diseases of the teeth
2
Other conditions
150
Total
506
Total number of diseases reported
8,921
Vaccinations performed
126
Examinations for vaccinations
5,654
Certificate to work
1,455
Bacteriological Department.
The work of this department has been performed during the last year by Herbert E. Bowman, Ph. G., Inspector of Milk and Vinegar.
Dr. Frank L. Morse, Medical Inspector of this Board. is still in the service of the U. S. Army, having been recently com- missioned as a lieutenant-colonel.
Undert-kers.
Under the provisions of Section 44 of Chapter 78 of the Revised Laws of 1902, twenty-one persons have been duly li- censed as undertakers.
Examination of Plumbers.
The public statutes provide for a board of examiners of plumbers, consisting of a chairman of the board of health, the inspector of buildings, and an expert at plumbing. to be ap- pointed by the board of health. This board appointed Duncan
224
ANNUAL REPORTS.
C. Greene, the inspector of plumbing, to fill the place of expert. The number of licenses granted will be found in the report of the inspector of buildings.
Health Nurses.
There are, at present, two nurses employed by this Board as school nurses. It is very necessary and this Board recom- mends that two or more nurses be appointed and that all these nurses be employed as health nurses their duties to be deter- mined by this Board as necessity requires.
R. M. LAVENDER, Chairman, WARREN C. BLAIR, JOHN E. GILLIS, M. D. Board of Health.
Attest:
LAURENCE S. HOWARD.
225
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Report of Inspector of Animals and Provisions
-
Somerville, Mass., January 1, 1919.
To the Board of Health, Somerville, Mass. :-
Gentlemen,-Following is the report of the inspector of animals and provisions, including tables showing the amount of work accomplished.
Articles Condemned.
Eggs.
6 dozen.
Fish.
Haddock, 199 pounds; Halibut, 327 pounds; Lobsters; 12 pounds; Mackerel, 160 pounds; Oysters, 2 gallons; Salmon, 3 pounds; Sword Fish, 6 pounds.
Fruit.
Apples, 12 boxes; Apples, 14 bushels; Bananas, 64 dozen; Black- berries, 12 quarts; Blueberries, 8 quarts; Canteloupes, 19 crates; Grapes, 7 baskets; Grapes, 2 crates; Grape Fruit, 9 boxes; Grape. Fruit. 150 single; Lemons. 31/2 boxes; Oranges, 1 box; Pears, 11/2. bushel, Pears, 5 baskets; Plums, 6 baskets.
Meats.
Beef (corned), 406 pounds; Beef (fresh), 170 pounds; Corned Shoulder, 49 pounds; Fowl, 251 pounds; Hamburg Steak, 33 pounds; Lamb, 1711/2 pounds; Liver, 57 pounds; Mutton, 20 pounds; Pork (fresh), 132 pounds; Pork (salt), 100 pounds; Swine. 11 whole; Sau- sages. 20 pounds, (Frankfurter) ; Sausages, 13 pounds (fresh) ; Veal, 192 pounds.
Vegetables.
Asparagus, 31 bunches; Beans (shell), 10 bushels; Beans, (string), 1 bushel; Beets, 3 bushels; Cabbages, 14 barrels: Carrots, 1 bushel; Celery, 1 bushel; Celery, 3 dozen; Greens, 2 barrels; Greens, 12 bush- els; Lettuce, 11 bushels; Lettuce, 8 dozen; Onions, 31 bushels; Par- snips, 1 bushel; Potatoes (white), 9 bushels: Potatoes, (sweet), 3 bushels; Squash, 121/2 bushels; Turnips, 2 bushels; Turnips, 2 barrels.
There have been less articles condemned during the past year, than for many years previous, owing to the fact that deal- ers have been obliged to purchase their stock very conservative- ly and thereby no large surplus has been carried by any deal -- er. As a rule their stock has been fresh and in good condition ..
226
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Inspections for 1918.
The following table shows the number of inspections made during the past year. Constant supervision is kept over all es- tablishments handling food products, to safeguard the con- sumer. Bakeries, lunch-carts and restaurants have each been inspected weekly.
Conditions in the Ice Cream and Candy Factories in the city are greatly improved. All factories in the city have been inspected monthly. A constant inspection is made of Barber Shops and they are required to be kept in a sanitary condition. at all times, and the barbers to keep themselves neat and clean and to properly sterilize their utensils.
Many of the factories have been renovated and in some in- stances new toilet facilities have been installed. .
In December one of the largest and best equipped bakeries in New England was erected on Joy Street and is now in opera- tion and is a valuable addition to the many industries of the city.
Bakeries
329
Milk and Cream Plants
101
Barber Shops
450
Pedlers
1,930
Candy and ice cream plants
149
Public Halls
31
Factories
274
Rendering Plants
119
Fish Markets
563
Slaughter Houses
304
Grease Wagons .
83
Stores and Markets
3,072
Hen Houses and Yards
399
Stables
310
Hide Houses
57
Theatres
16
Houses and Cellars
126
Vacant Lots
97
Laundries
40
Yards and Cellars
· 605
Lunch Rooms
.
619
Slaughter Houses.
During the year weekly inspections have been made at all slaughtering establishments and of all animals for infectious diseases. All the slaughter houses have been thoroughly ren- ovated during the past year. New toilets have been installed with shower baths and separate retiring rooms for females ow- ing to the large number being employed by reason of war con- ditions.
These plants were never in a more sanitary condition than at present.
The business is continuing to increase in this city and during the last year Somerville was one of the largest Slaughtering centers in the United States and the largest in New England.
227
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Number of Animals Slaughtered in 1918.
Swine
1,300,666
Sheep
235,965
Calves
113,695
Cattle
39,330
Total
1,689,656
Animals.
There has been a steady decrease of glanders in this city for the past five years, and I believe it is due in part to dis- continuance of public drinking fountains for horses, and a thorough disinfection of stables and blacksmith shops. Each stable and shop is now in first class sanitary condition. In 1913 there were 55 horses killed for glanders: in 1914. 30: in 1915. 10; in 1916, 13. but eight of these were in one stable: in 1917. 9, and in 1918, only 7 were killed. thus showing a large decrease in the disease.
Animals Examined in 1918 for Contagious Diseases.
Horses
Inspected 1,815
Quaran- tined 8
Killed
Released
7
1
Swine
1,175
56
5
51
Cows
34
....
...
....
Mules
5
....
....
....
Goats
11
....
....
Total
3,035
64
12
52
As agent of the board of health, I have been on duty nights and Sundays most of the time to convey patients to the Con- tagious Hospital, by ambulance.
Respectfully submitted.
CHARLES M. BERRY.
Inspector of Animals and Provisions.
1
228
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Report of the Medical Inspection.
Somerville, Mass., January 1, 1919.
To the Board of Health of the City of Somerville :-
Gentlemen :- I herewith present the report of the acting medical inspector for the year 1918, including the statistics of the contagious disease hospital.
Frank L. Morse, M. D., medical inspector of this Board, is still in the service of the U. S. and has been commissioned as a lieutenant colonel.
C. Clarke Towle, M. D., resigned as acting medical in- spector, October 28, 1918; Herbert E. Buffum, M. D., served from October 29, to November 8, 1918, and Ralph F. Hodgdon, M. D., has filled the position since November 9, 1918.
Visits.
Scarlet Fever .- Each case has been inspected before release from quarantine and 104 visits were made at the homes of patients to determine that the condition of the patient was suitable for release.
Diphtheria .- Before patients are released from quarantine two successive negative cultures must be obtained and during the year 174 visits were made for this purpose.
Daily visits have been made at the contagious hospital.
Contagious Disease Hospital.
Diseases
Discharged, Well, or Admitted Improved
Dead
Scarlet Fever
22
26
Diphtheria
149
135
14
Tuberculosis
33
23
17
Erysipelas
4
3
1
Measles
3
1
1
Pneumonia
3
4
Cerebro-spinal Menigitis
1
1
2
1
1
Influenza
217
189
38-
The daily average of patients was 5.91 in the contagious department and 11.96 in the tuberculosis department, a total of 17.87.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH F. HODGDON, M. D., Acting Medical Inspector.
229
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Report of the Inspector of Milk and Vinegar and Acting Bacteriologist.
CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY, City Hall Annex, Somerville, Mass., January 1, 1919.
To the Board of Health of the City of Somerville :-
Gentlemen :- I herewith present my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1918.
On the above date there were in this city licensed to sell milk, 400 stores and 58 dealers, and 133 stores to sell oleo- margarine.
Of the 58 dealers, 24 are located in this city and 34 in the neighboring cities and towns, and 6 dealers have discontinued business.
There are approximately 23,000 quarts of milk and 1,800 quarts of cream distributed in Somerville daily, and 18 deal- ers are pasteurizing their milk according to Statute Chapter 259, Acts 1917.
Table 1.
Months.
Licenses
Issued.
License
Fees.
Analytical
Fees.
Cash Paid
City Treas.
Analyses
on Account.
Income for
Dept.
January
7
3.50
3.50
4.00
7.50
February
7
3.50
1.00
4.50
32.50
37.00
March
25
12.50
12.50
29.00
41.50
April
17
8.50
8.50
45.00
53.50
May
323
161.50
3.00
164.50
92.50
257.00
June
124
62.00
4.00
66.00
71.50
137.50
July
16
8.00
8.00
63.50
71.50
August
5
2.50
1.00
3.50
98.00
101.50
September
15
7.50
7.50
67.00
74.50
October ..
23
11:50
11.50
101.00
112.50
November
11
5.50
5.50
22.25
27.75
December
18
9.00
9.00
15.00
24.00
Total
591
295.00
9.00
304.50
641.25
945.75
Total
230
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Table 2. Samples of Milk, Cream, Ice Cream and Vinegar Examined.
Months.
Chemical
Samples
Collected.
Bact.
Collections.
I orenz
Tests.
Total
Collections.
Samples
left at
Office.
Examina-
tions.
January
212
146
154
512
6
518
February
310
126
80
516
75
591
March
208
99
59
366
54
420
April
235
99
40
374
88
462
May
240
80
40
360
171
531
June
242
100
40
382
192
574
July
240
158
40
438
216
654
August
151
155
87
393
283
676
September
179
41
42
262
213
475
October
290
74
54
418
232
650
November
140
84
110
334
46
380
December
64
80
67
211
29
240
Total
2511
1242
813
4566
1605
6171
Table 3.
Months.
Chemical
Notices.
Bact.
Notices.
Sanitary
Notices.
Temperature
Notices.
Total
Notices.
Inspections.
January
2
15
10
27
65
February
11
18
24
53
170
March
24
19
11
54
26
April
32
14
1
0
47
60
May
28
19
12
18
77
18
June
13
12
12
4
41
60
July
26
12
3
12
53
42
August
23
15
24
62
24
September
14
8
4
26
14
October
3
4
2
9
11
November
16
17
16
49
12
December
2
0
4
6
26
Total
194
153
123
34
540
528
City Inspection.
It was decided by the Board of Health that during 1918 the standing of each dealer, selling milk in Somerville, should be published monthly. It was hoped that this method would stimulate a healthy rivalry among the dealers and improve the quality of the milk delivered in this City. In accordance
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