Note 255 — Chapter XXVI · PUBLIC HEALTH AND SANITATION

In order that measures for preventing the spread of disease may be effective, they must be based upon a well-organized and accurate system of vital statistics. These statistics include figures relating to births, deaths, and illness. They are compiled in the offices of the health authorities from the reports sent in by physicians. These reports, to be of real value, must not only be accurate but prompt. By means of these statistics the health authorities can sense the beginnings of an epidemic, can often determine its source or cause, and can immediately set the machinery in motion to ensure its control. When one physician reports a case of typhoid this may not be of great significance; but if a dozen cases are reported on the same day, the necessity of an immediate investigation into the water and milk supplies becomes apparent.