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Puerperal Pyrexia.—16 cases occurred, 14 being removed to
hospitals. To the women concerned in the above 16 cases (12 were
married and 4 single), 14 children were born; the remaining 2 cases
arose from miscarriage.
Psittacosis.—Seven members of one household were in the early
part of 1930, attacked with symptoms identical with those usually
evinced in cases of human psittacosis. Unfortunately the body of
the parrot, the presumed cause of the outbreak, had been disposed of
before examination could be made, thereby removing the only tangible
evidence at the disposal of the authorities. The frequency of the
outbreaks in various parts of the country rendered necessary the
issuing of an Order prohibiting the importation into this country of
certain species of parrots.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—16 cases occurred in 1930—8
males and 8 females. 9 were admitted to hospital and 7 treated
either at home or as out-patients of hospitals. In addition to these
notified cases, 15 cases of slight inflammation of the eyes came to the
knowledge of the Department. Facilities are afforded for the treatment
of this disease by the London County Council at St. Margaret's
Hospital, Kentish Town, N.W. Mothers are also admitted, and, if
necessary, receive treatment.
The Public Health (Ophthalmia Neonatorum) Regulations, 1926.
These regulations have been in force since October, 1926, and under
them midwives are no longer obliged to notify, but they are obliged to
call qualified medical assistance to all cases of inflammation of the eyes.
If the medical practitioner considers the case one of ophthalmia neonatorum,
he must notify to the Medical Officer of Health.