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50
EPIDEMIC CEREBRO-SPINAL
MENINGITIS.
On March 12th, 1907, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis
(cerebrospinal fever) became a compulsoriiy notifiable infectious
disease throughout the administrative County of
London, in accordance with the provisions of Scction 56 of
the Public Health (London) Act, 1891. This disease haa
taken on epidemic proportions in Belfast and Glasgow, and
it was thought advisable to make it notifiable throughout
London, so as to prevent it being introduced and spreading
there. Up to the end of 1908, a total of 238 cases were notified
in London (27 in Lambeth Borough), whilst during 1909
a total of 111 cases have been notified in London (14* in
Lambeth Borough). Of the 14 cases notified in Lambeth
during 1909, 3 occurred in Waterloo, 2 in Lambeth Church,
3 in Kennington, 2 in Stockwell, 1 in Brixton and 3 in
Norwood, Registration Sub-Districts. Of the 14 cases notified,
8 d'ied., i.e., 57.1 per cent.
In all the cases notified in the Borough of Lambeth, precautionary
measures have been taken as to disinfection, the
rooms being also stripped of their wall papers and thoroughly
cleansed. In no single instance has the disease
spread amongst the inmates of a house wherein the disease
has first appeared. Systematic enquiries have been made in
each case, and the results tabulated.
CHICKEN-POX.
Chicken-pox was not compulsoriiy notifiable during 1909,
but through the Head Teachers of the various schools 801
cases were brought to the notice of the Council, and the
necessary disinfection was carried out in connection therewith.
*Of the 14 notified cases, 10 were removed to Hospital, 6 from the Inner
and 4 from the Outer Districts.