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
Deptford 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford, Metropolitan Borough of]
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68
Measles is not a notifiable disease, but during the year under report
1,369 cases were heard of through schools and other sources, and
visited by the Health Visitors. The outbreak reached its peak between
February and March. The children affected were chiefly from 3 to 6
years of age. Where the home accommodation was unsuitable, the
patients were removed to hospital, and in 24 other instances nursing
assistance was provided by the Council.
Whooping.Cough.
The fatality in past years is as follows:—
| No. of Deaths. | Percentage of total Deaths. | Death-rate per 1,000 population | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average 1915-1924 | 24 | 1.5 | 0.22 |
| 1925-1929 | 13 | 0.9 | 0.11 |
| 1930 | 3 | 0.2 | 0.03 |
| 1931 | 11 | 0.9 | 0.10 |
| 1932 | 9 | 0.7 | 0.09 |
| 1933 | 9 | 0.7 | 0.09 |
| 1934 | 18 | 1.4 | 0.18 |
Bacteriological Facilities.
The Council's general bacteriological work is conducted at the
Seamen's Hospital, Greenwich, while sputum for tubercle bacilli is
ordinarily examined at the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
The following is a summary of the work done:—
Laboratory Work at Seamen's Hospital, Greenwich, 1934.
| Material. | Number Positive. | Number Negative. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swabs for Diphtheria | 177 | 884 | 1061 |
| Swabs for Virulence Test | — | 2 | 2 |
| Samples of Disinfectants | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Sputum for Tuberculosis | 13 | 55 | 68 |
| Blood for Enteric Fever | — | 3 | 3 |
| Urine for T.B. | — | 2 | 2 |
| Stool for Enteric | — | 2 | 2 |
| Stool for Dysentery | — | 1 | 1 |
| Swab from ear for Hcemolytic Streptococci | — | 1 | 1 |
| Hairs for Ringworm | — | 1 | 1 |
| Swimming bath water | — | 12 | 12 |
| 'Note.—Other examinations are reported under " Food." | |||