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
Lewisham 1905
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham]
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71
MEASLES, WHOOPING COUGH, AND CHICKEN POX.
These diseases, not being compulsorily notifiable, are
brought to our attention chiefly by notifications from the Head
Teachers of the various Schools in the Borough, in compliance
with the regulations contained in the School Management Code.
Measles.—Where cases of Measles occurred in the
poorer districts the homes were visited by the Women Sanitary
Inspectors with the view of impressing the parents with the
very infectious nature of the disease, and the precautions to be
taken to prevent its spread. Two hundred and twenty.seven
visits were made for this purpose.
Chicken-Pox.—Three hundred and forty-two children
were notified to be suffering from this disease, and the Women
Sanitary Inspectors made 255 visits to the various homes. Their
report sometimes made it necessary for me to visit the house.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES NOTIFIED FROM SCHOOLS.
| Number of children suffering. | Children excluded on account of infection in their homes. | |
|---|---|---|
| Measles | 1205 | 1449 |
| Chicken Pox | 342 | 207 |
| Whooping Cough | 240 | 77 |
| Ringworm | 169 | — |
| Mumps | 109 | 102 |
SCHOOLS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
MEASLES.—This disease was prevalent in the Borough
during the early part of 1905, and a recrudescence occurred at
the latter end of the year. Careful observation was kept upon
all the Schools, which resulted in the closure of the Infants'
Department in a number of cases.