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 1935
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford, Metropolitan Borough of]
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74
Measles is not a notifiable disease, but during the year under report
73 cases were heard of through schools and other sources, and visited by
the Health Visitors. Where the home accommodation was unsuitable,
the patients were removed to hospital, and in one other instance 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 |
| 1935 | 5 | 0.5 | 0.05 |
Cases of Whooping-cough selected either because unsuitable home
conditions or of the presence of other young children in the home, or on
account of complications, are sent into hospital.
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, 1935.
| Material. | Number Positive. | Number Negative. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swabs for Diphtheria | 163 | 893 | 1056 |
| Swabs for Virulence Test | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Samples of Disinfectants | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Sputum for Tuberculosis | 8 | 56 | 64 |
| Blood for Enteric Fever | — | 7 | 7 |
| Urine for T.B., etc. | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Swimming bath water | 3 | 9 | 12 |
| Maternity Outfit for Sterility | — | 1 | 1 |
| Scrubbing brush for Anthrax | — | 1 | 1 |
•Note.—Other examinations are reported under " Food."