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
Bermondsey 1913
Report on the sanitary condition of the Borough of Bermondsey for the year 1913
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Pneumonia Four fatal cases of pneumonia occurred among a family belonging to the Borough, as follow:—
| Initials. | Age. | Sex. | Onset of illness. | Death. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E.H.R. | 26 years | M | Feb. 22nd | Mar. 4th | Lived in Walworth. |
| H.S.R. | 63 years | F | Mar. 6th | „ 9th | Mother of above, nursed him. |
| F.R. | 32 years | F | „ 6th | „ 14th | Sister of first patient, helped to nurse him, died at St. Thomas' Hospital. |
| A.M. | 30 years | F | „ 10th | „ 16th | Married sister to first patient, helped to nurse him and mother, died at St. Thomas' Hospital. |
E.H.R.'s illness began with what was considered an ordinary
attack of influenza, but on February 27th he developed acute pneumonia
and was obliged to take to bed. He then gradually got worse
and died on March 4th. During his illness he was nursed by his
mother and sisters. The next person to be taken ill was the mother,
but she had a weak chest and was undoubtedly a susceptible person,
and the next two patients were probably rendered susceptible
by want of proper rest while nursing the brother and mother.
Pneumonia is caused by a micro-organism, and in the ordinary
way is only slightly infectious ; but as in the above family the type
seems from unknown causes to occasionally become virulent and
spread to those in close contact with the patient especially if they
are not careful to prevent spread of infection by means of drinking
vessels, handkerchiefs, etc.
That close contact and susceptibility both played a part in
its spread is shown by the fact that some five other members of
the family and two strangers were more or less constantly in attendance
on the patients remained in good health.