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in the preceding 9 years during which it was notifiable. Of these cases, 7 were
attended by their own doctors, 4 at ophthalmic hospitals and 5 at other hospitals or
infirmaries. One of the children died, three left their former address, and the remainder
were reported to have recovered. A number of cases of ophthalmia apparently
contracted more than 21 days after birth were also attended by the Bloomsbury
nurses, mostly on the recommendation of the Medical Officer of the Maternity Centres.
I do not know what proportion of the 16 cases notified were true gonorrhoeal
ophthalmia as no bacteriological examinations were reported. From evidence by
Dr. Niven, the Medical Officer of Health of Manchester, before the National Birth
Rate Commission Special V.D. Enquiry, of the 2086 cases of opthalmia neonatorum
notified in the years- 1915 to 30th June, 1920, inclusive—as many as 637, i.e.,
30.5 per cent. were found to be not true gonorrhoeal ophthalmia.
Measles.—The notification of measles was discontinued at the end of 1919,
but during last year I received information, principally from school teachers, of 178
cases. Practically all were visited except those that were at once removed to hospital.
Information was received that 19 cases were removed to hospital. Twelve of the
cases received 242 visits by the nurses as mentioned below.
Whooping Cough.—Whooping cough was first made notifiable in the Borough
in 1914 for a period of 5 years, which was extended for a further period of 5 years
from the 1st July, 1919. Only 12 notifications of the disease were received last year,
all of which were visited and 3 received 39 visits by the nurses as mentioned below.
Epidemic Diarrhoea.—This disease which is only notifiable in a few districts
is not notifiable in this Borough. A number of cases were ascertained by the Health
Visitors during their home visits. The number of deaths of young children under
2 years of age was 11, including 8 under 1 year. The methods adopted to diminish
the mortality and permanent injury to health caused by this disease include the regular
removal of house refuse and manure ; the use of prepared milk for infants who are not
breast fed ; leaflets respecting the care of milk in the home, and the leaflet respecting
the prevention of this disease issued by the National League for Health, Maternity
and Child Welfare. Leaflets respecting the danger from flies are also used.
Poliomyelitis.—Three cases were notified. Two of these completely recovered,
but one is still at a hospital under treatment for paralysis principally of the left leg.
One case was first notified as cerebro-spinal meningitis.
Dental Clinic.—The Dental Clinic for Expectant and Nursing Mothers and
Young Children which was begun in October, 1919, was continued during the year.
The number of new patients during the year was 84, viz., 68 women and 16 children,
and the number of attendances 426, being 383 women and 43 children. As good
teeth are very important for the maintenance of health and especially for the prevention
of tuberculosis and dietetic diseases, an evening dental clinic, specially for men
and boys not attending school was started on the 12th October, 1920. The clinic
is held weekly, on Tuesdays, from 7 to 8 p.m., for the poorer inhabitants of the Borough
and from 8 to 9 p.m. for tuberculous patients. The number of new patients and