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
Wanstead and Woodford 1925
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woodford]
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14
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Prevalence.—During the last five years the incidence of
infectious disease has shown little variation. Both scarlet fever
and diphtheria appear to be endemic to the district, and the
frequent occurrence of single eases in widely separated parts of
the district is noticeable. There have been no notifications of
smallpox during this period, nor have any vaccinations been
performed under the Smallpox Regulations, 1917.
No cases of Encephalitis Lethargica have been notified.
Laboratory Work.—All Pathological and Bacteriological
facilities are provided by the Essex County Council, the work
being done at the Essex Public Heath Laboratory, 91, Queen
Victoria Street.
Diphtheria Antitoxin is provided free by the District
Council, and can be obtained by any Doctor requiring it from
the Medical Officer of Health.
Disinfecting and Disinfestation.
A Washington Lyons Disinfector is in use for disinfections, also a Formalin Sprayer and Formalin Vaporisor.
Incidence of notifiable diseases in the area during 1925:
| DISEASE. | Total Cases Notified. | Cases Admitted to Hospital. | Total Deaths. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Pox | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Scarlet Fever | 33 | 21 | 0 |
| Enteric Fever (including Paratyphoid) | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Diphtheria | 12 | 11 | 1 |
| Erysipelas | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Puerperal Fever | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Ophthalmia Neonatorum | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Pneumonia | 0 | 12 |
Scarlet Fever.—The prevalence of this disease during the
year was low, the number of cases notified (33) being the lowest
recorded since 1919. Twenty-one (64%) of the cases were removed
to Hospital. There were no deaths.
Paratyphoid.—Three cases were notified. No connection
could be traced between the cases.
Diphtheria.—The attack rate per 1,000 living was again
low, being .5 as compared with 1.23 for England and Wales. One
ease proved fatal.