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39
PREVALENCE OF, AND CONTROL OVER, INFECTIOUS
AND OTHER DISEASES.
The statistics of infectious diseases in the Borough are set
out in Tables F. and G.
The only novel feature in regard to the prevalence of
infectious diseases was the appearance of small-pox on
two occasions, first in South Harringay, where two brothers
contracted the disease, and later in Stroud Green, where
a single case occurred. Each case was dealt with in the usual
way—removal to small-pox hospital and vaccination of the
contacts. The disease was of the type now officially designated
" Variola Minor," to distinguish it from " Variola Major," or
Classical Small-pox.
It is common knowledge that some of the older views regarding
small-pox and vaccination have cracked up in face of newer
knowledge relating to the types of small-pox and the sequela
of vaccination. The subject is too long, too involved and too
controversial to be discussed here, but the reader is referred to
a recent Memorandum from the Ministry of Health entitled, "A
review of certain present aspects of Small-pox Prevention in
relation particularly to the Vaccination Acts, 1867-1907."
Immunisation.—Artificial immunisation as a means of preventing
or controlling infectious and epidemic diseases in the community
is attracting more attention year by year. Its scope is
extending to diphtheria, scarlet fever, influenza, pneumonia,
tuberculosis and other diseases. There can be no doubt that a
considerable measure of success attends these methods, but so
long as the incidence and mortality rates of these diseases remain
low, I do not anticipate any keen demand for the method, even
with an active campaign of propaganda.
In present circumstances I feel that there is so much to be
done in environmental and personal hygiene and nurture in
infancy and childhood that the time and energy of your staff are
better spent in these directions.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—One case of ophthalmia neonatorum
was notified, and was treated in St. Margaret's Hospital
(M.A.B.), Kentish Town.