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26
Section C—INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
SMALLPOX,
has been absent from the Borough since April, 1906.
CROYDON AND WIMBLEDON JOINT SMALLPOX
HOSPITAL.
The Smallpox Hospital District during 1914 as hitherto comprised
the County Borough of Croydon, the Borough of Wimbledon,
the Urban Districts of Penge and of Merton and Morden, and
the Croydon Rural District. The Hospital has not been used for
Smallpox since August, 1906.
VACCINATION.
During the year ending December 31st, 1914, the number of
primary vaccinations in Croydon and Penge amounted to 1,797, as
compared with 4,432 registered births.
The number of infants vaccinated, therefore, amounted to 40
per cent. of the registered births, as compared with 43 per Cent. in
1913, 48 per cent. in 1912, 58 per Cent. in 1911, 58 per Cent. in 1910,
62 per Cent. in 1909, 62 per cent. 1908, 90 per Cent. in 1907, and 82
per Cent. in 1906.
The percentage of infants vaccinated amongst registered births
is the smallest yet recorded. In view of the undoubted fact that
vaccination is the primary and important precaution against smallpox,
the great decline in the vaccination is a matter to be regretted.
It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of the public
in general that the practice of infant vaccination and re-vaccination
later in life is the safest and most effective precaution against the
disease at our disposal. Vaccination against small-pox is a
thoroughly safe measure, and in view of the large migration of
persons consequent upon the war its practice at this time more
particularly should be universal and compulsory.
MEASLES
accounted for 8 deaths, as compared with 58 in 1913. This disease
is not notifiable in the borough.