London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Edmonton 1908
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Edmonton]
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34
Remember that the ordinary steam disinfector is not the one best
adapted for this purpose. No one yet seems to have placed on the market an
apparatus suitable for the purpose. Nothing like the heat of a WashingtonLyon
disinfector is required, and a kind of gas-heated oven is what I am looking
for.
During the year the following specimens were examined and reported upon :—
| Disease. | Result Positive. | Result Negative. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria | 22 | 34 | 56 |
| Enteric fever | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Totals | 24 | 38 | 62 |
PUERPERAL FEVER.
Two cases of this disease were notified during the year, and one casewas.
not notified; this latter died, and one of those notified terminated
fatally, so that the death-rate is 1.03 per thousand nett births. (See Section
"Births.")
On the receipt of a notification of Puerperal Fever, the case is
immediately investigated, and the facts communicated to the County Medical
Officer, who has the administration of the Midwives' Act, 1902.
ERYSIPELAS.
Seventy-three cases were notified, compared with 53 in the previous
year; two of the cases occurred in the Edmonton Union Infirmary, and one
in the Strand Union, and of the remaining 70 cases, all were in separate houses.
There were no deaths from this cause.
Five cases occurred amongst people who were living outside the Union
Infirmary, and yet unable to provide proper attention for themselves.
Under the Council's agreement with the Edmonton Union Guardians, nursinghad
to be provided for them, as such cases are not admitted into the isolation
hospitals.