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
Chigwell 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chigwell]
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24
Section F. PREVALENCE OF, AND CONTROL OVER,
INFECTIOUS AND OTHER DISEASES.
This year has been abnormal in regard to Infectious Disease,
particularly as regards Diphtheria. Early in the year 17 cases were
notified at St. John's Open Air School, all cases were removed to the
Waltham Joint Hospital.
All possible precautions were taken, the school being put under
quarantine and all visitors stopped.
Consultations were held with the County Medical Officer of Health.
A further outbreak in the Autumn resulted in the notification of
44 cases, originating at the Loughton Senior School. Strict investigations
were made, close contact was kept with the Ministry of Health and the
County Medical Officer of Health and daily inspections were carried out
of the scholars attending the school.
I was gratified to know that the Ministry of Health were satisfied
that the Public Health Department were carrying out their duties in
an efficient manner.
The cases were spread over the year as follows:—
| January | 17 |
| February | 10 |
| March | 8 |
| April | 6 |
| May | 8 |
| June | 6 |
| July | 7 |
| August | 5 |
| September | 14 |
| October | 36 |
| November | 8 |
| December | 9 |
| Including 3 cases of Measles. | 134 |
Summary of Cases of Infectious Diseases, showing Number of Cases, Admission to Hospital and Deaths.
| Infectious Disease. | Total Cases (Notified). | Admissions to Hospital. | Deaths. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet Fever | 24 | 19 | - | All Forms. Registrar General's Figures. |
| Acute Influenzal | 12 | |||
| Pneumonia | 2 | - | ||
| Acute Primary Pneumonia | 2 | — | ||
| Acute Lobar Pneumonia | 2 | — | ||
| Erysipelas | 6 | i | - | |
| Puerperal Pyrexia | 3 | 2 | - | |
| Diphtheria | 87 | 87 | 2 | |
| Ophthalmia Neonatorum | i | - | - | |
| Typhoid | - | - | 1 | |
| Dysentery | 3 | 3 | - | |
| *Measles | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| Anterior Poliomyelitis | 1 | 1 | — | |
| * Non-Notifiable | 134 | 116 | 16 | |