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
Enfield 1933
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Enfield]
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The following table is a comparative table for the last five years :
| 1929 | 1930 | 1931 | 1932 | 1933 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measles | 40 | 833 | 65 | 460 | 4 |
| German Measles | 340 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Mumps | 54 | 149 | 86 | 43 | 667 |
| Whooping Cough | 204 | 59 | 43 | 180 | 78 |
| Chickenpox | 41 | 187 | 169 | 131 | 235 |
| Scarlet Fever | 81 | 136 | 159 | 124 | 134 |
| Diphtheria | 46 | 141 | 178 | 77 | 28 |
| Diphtheria Carriers | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | — |
| Smallpox | — | 7 | — | 1 | — |
| Typhoid Fever | — | 3 | — | — | — |
| Erysipelas | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| Poliomyelitis | — | 1 | 1 | — |
During the course of the year much absence from school
was caused by a prolonged outbreak of mumps, whooping cough,
and chickenpox. Scarlet Fever of a mild type also occurred.
On the other hand we had less Diphtheria than we have had for
many years past.
DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF SPREAD OF
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
Close co-operation exists between the School Medical Department
and the Public Health Department, whereby when either becomes
aware of infectious disease in any school, house, or district,
the other department is informed. Joint action is, therefore,
possible in preventing the spread of infectious disease.
VERMIN.
Of 2869 children examined at Routine Inspection 21 were
found to have vermin in their hair, and 224 had nits—i.e., 8.5
per cent. had unclean heads.
One child was reported as having body vermin.
THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL NURSES.
There are four school nurses. One is attached to each of
the three Treatment Clinics, which she attends daily for the