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73
MEASLES.—In March, 1903, the London County Council,
by their order, brought Measles within the scope of the Sections
of the Public Health (London) Act relating to dangerous
infectious diseases, for all purposes except compulsory notification.
Only a small percentage of the actual existing cases are
brought to our notice, and the majority of these are received from
the London County Council School Teachers. The number of
cases notified during the year amounted to 392.
The notifications are examined immediately they are
received, and a circular sent to each house. In cases where it is
deemed essential to inform the parents of the dangerous
character of the disease and the precautions necessary to prevent
its spread a personal visit is made by one of the Woman
Sanitary Inspectors.
During the year under review the Borough was exceptionally
free from Measles until the fourth quarter, when a distinct
outbreak occurred in Sydenham and Forest Hill.
No effort should be spared to impress upon the public the
seriousness of this disease, especially to young children. There
were more deaths in the Borough from Measles alone than from
Small-pox, Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria and Enteric Fever put
together. It is also important to note that the 23 recorded
deaths from Measles all occurred among children under five
years of age.
Your Woman Sanitary Inspector visited 316 houses in
which we were informed by the School Teachers that Measles
existed. In 195 of the cases visited disinfection was carried out
by the Department. Of the 71 cases occurring in better class
houses, and not visited, 56 applications for disinfection were
received. In 46 instances the existence of Measles was denied.