London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Brentford and Chiswick 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Brentford and Chiswick]
This page requires JavaScript
CASE Q-Boy aged 10 years - paralysis of chest muscles and of limbs.
Respirator case. Left with much weakness in limbs and back. Transferred to
Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot for orthopaedic treatment. Making good progress.
CASE R- Boy aged 4 years - paralysis of both legs Had physiotherapy at
Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot. Has completely recovered though still under
observation.
CASE S-Female aged 18 years - paralysis of palate and left shoulder,
right sterno-mastoid left hip and left thigh. Having physiotherapy at West
Middlesex Hospital Condition improving
CASE T-Adult male - paralysis of right arm and leg Fully recovered with complete power and movement, although still under observation.
| Confirmed cases | Died | Still making progress | Condition stationary | Fully recovered | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 4 | - | - | 1 | 3 |
| 1950 | 9 | - | - | 3 | 6 |
| 1951 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1952 | 9 | 2 | 2 | - | 5 |
| 1953 | 6 | 1 | 1 * | - | 4 |
| 1954 | 3 | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 1955 | 5 | - | 3 | - | 2 |
* Now left district.
It can be seen from these figures that of 36 confirmed cases of paralytic
poliomyelitis occurring during the past 7 years, 22 have made a complete recovery
with full power and normal movement of all muscles.