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rate of only 3-4 per cent., which indicates that the cases generally were of a very mild
type.
Diphtheria anti-toxin was supplied free of charge on application by medical
practitioners. During the year it was supplied in 27 cases.
Scarlet Fever.—All the cases of Scarlet Fever were removed to hospital with
the exception of three which were satisfactorily isolated at home.
In eight of the cases during the year there was a second case. Seven of these
were notified either at the same time or within a few days of the primary case. The
remaining one was probably a " return " case as it was notified 10 days after the return
of the primary case from hospital.
Enteric Fever (Typhoid or Paratyphoid). In all six cases were notified during
the year, including two of paratyphoid. Of the four cases of typhoid, at least three
were not contracted in the Borough. Of the two cases of paratyphoid one was a student
at Bedford College where a number of other cases occurred about the same time.
An inquiry was conducted by the Ministry of Health which showed that the infection
was probably spread by the cook who had contracted the disease.
Encephalitis Lethargica.—Three cases of Encephalitis Lethargica were
notified during the year, all of whom died.
Pneumonia.—Twenty-six cases of pneumonia were notified during the year. As
a number of medical practitioners were away during the war when the Regulations
of January, 1919, were introduced, in cases in which death had occurred and no
notification had been received, letters were sent to the respective medical practitioners
asking for the reason of non-notification.
Influenza.—There were only 11 deaths from influenza in comparison with 46
in 1919 and 138 in 1918. Thirty-four bottles of Government Anti-influenza Vaccine
were given out to medical practitioners and hospitals, but 12 of these were not used.
The forms required by the Ministry of Health to be filled up were afterwards obtained
and forwarded to the Ministry. In a number of cases a second application for these
forms was required.
Non-Notifiable Infectious Diseases, Nursing Arrangements, etc.—
For non-notifiable infectious diseases and for puerperal fever and ophthalmia neonatorum,
see Maternity and Child Welfare, pages 24-26.
Anthrax.-—It was ascertained that a large number of Japanese Shaving Brushes
infected with Anthrax had been sold by Holborn Wholesale Merchants to chemists,
etc., in many parts of the United Kingdom and the matter required much careful
attention.
Bacteriological Work.
Bacteriological work for the Council is carried out by the Virol Research Laboratory
at 10 Bedford Square, W.C.I.