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II. Epidemic Diarrhœa.
Deaths of infants, under 8 months, from Epidemic Diarrhoea.
With three exceptions these cases all occurred in crowded areas, and in houses
of poor type, where the standard of cleanliness was not high, and where there was
ample opportunity for infection from diarrhoea to spread between members of the
same family and between families in the same house.
One infant was also suffering from measles, and one (aged 2 months) was the
child of a woman certified as phthisical some months previous to the child's birth.
In the course of routine visiting and revisiting, and especially from May to
October, particular instruction was given both as to the means of prevention of
epidemic diarrhoea and of the steps to be taken if it should appear. Printe 1 directions
were also given, and those attending the Weighing Centre were constantly
reminded of the dangers of this disease ; no fatal cases occurred amongst those
attending.
III. Puerperal Septicœmia.
Six cases have been certified during the year. Two of these were, during my
absence, investigated by my colleague, Miss Jacocks.
Three occurred in the practice of doctors, including one in an institution ;
two were severe cases and the patients died.
Three occurred in the practice of midwives.
IV. Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
Ten cases were notified, and I also investigated one occurring in Haggerston
during the absence of my colleague.
Two of these occurred in the practice of doctors, and eight in the practice of
midwives.
One child died at 6 weeks, of whooping cough. Two others were severely
affected and admitted to hospitals ; the remainder were treated at home, and
apparently made satisfactory progress.
V. Tuberculosis.
The amount of work done in connection with tuberculous women and children
is less than in the previous years, and has gradually diminished during the year
owing to the increasing number of tubercular patients who attend the Tuberculosis
Dispensary. Of the 133 notifications received, (a) 74 referred to adult women,
(b) 59 referred to children up to 14 years, and girls from 14-16 years.
(a) 34 adult women were insured ; 14 of these have been admitted to State
sanatoria, the majority remaining for three months ; two of these have since died
at home.