§ 32. Sir F. FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health whether he can make a 2072 further statement regarding the recent outbreaks of scarlet fever at Denham and Iver, Bucks, the number of cases and deaths involved, the origin of infection, and the administrative conclusions involved, with a view to the prevention of such outbreaks in future?
Sir H. YOUNGUp to the present, 90 cases have been reported in which the signs and symptoms were sufficiently well defined to justify a diagnosis of scarlet fever, but there have been, in addition, a large number of mild cases in which the only clinical symptoms were sore throat, vomiting, or slight fever. There have been two deaths. As regards the origin of the infection, I have nothing to add to the answer given on this subject to the hon. Member for Plaistow, on the 21st instant. The outbreak confirms the conclusion that it is practically impossible to avoid similar occurrences otherwise than by efficient pasteurisation, or some equally effective form of heat treatment, of the milk supply.