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93
Puerperal Fever.
Seven cases were notified, 3 which proved fatal, as compared
with 1 case that terminated fatally in the previous year. The Ward
distribution of the cases was as follows:—Town 1, Belsize 2,
Adelaide 1, West End 1, Kilburn 2. All the cases were removed from
their homes.
The hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board are now available
for the reception of a limited number of puerperal fever cases,
which, however, must be recommended for admission by the Medical
Officer of Heath. This arrangement was sanctioned by the Local
Government Board on 20th August, 1912.
Epidemic Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis.
This disease, popularly known as "Spotted Fever," is now one of
the notifiable diseases. No case was notified during 1914. The last
case in Hampstead occurred in 1912.
Acute Polio-Myelitis or Acute Polio-Encephalitis.
This disease, which, although it occurs in adults as well as children,
is Dopularly known as " Infantile Paralysis," was, by an order of the
L'tndon County Council, made permanently notifiable in the County of
London from March 13th, l912. There is considerable evidence to
show that the disease is communicable, but it is by no means clear how
the infection is communicated.
Two cases were notified during the year, both of which proved
fatal. The cases were as follows:—
Female, aged 18 years, notified in July. Scholar at a High
School. Illness commenced with pain in shoulder blades,
arms and back of neck; left arm first paralysed, then right
arm. There was no sensory paralysis. Respiratory paralysis
occurred twelve hours before death, which took place in sixty
hours from the appearance of the first symptoms. Patient was
not removed to hospital. Disinfection was carried out in this
case.
Male, aged 6 years, notified in November. Schoolboy. Illness
commenced with vomiting. Both arms were paralysed and
later the respiratory muscles. Patient was removed to hospital,
where death occurred within four days from onset of illness.