View report page

39 [1919
In the cases of malaria and dysentery, investigations were made
respecting the date of onset of the disease, and whether the patient had been
abroad, either in a civil or military capacity. In the majority of the cases it
was ascertained that the patient had served in H.M. Forces during the late
War in one or other of the Eastern Theatres, and that the present attacks
were repetitions of previous ones whilst serving abroad.
In connection with the section relating to Pneumonia, arrangements
were made with the North London Nursing Association for the nursing of
cases of this disease, and eleven cases of Measles, complicated by pneumonia,
or of pneumonia were attended.
The nurses from this Institution also attended 45 cases of Measles.
Acute Encephalitis Lethargica and Acute Polio-Encephalitis.
These diseases became notifiable under an Order of the Local Government
Board on the 1st January, 1919, and during the year 5 cases were made
known in the borough, one of which proved fatal.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
Purulent Disease of the Eyes of Newly-born Children.
This inflammatory disease of the eyes of infants was notified in
73 instances, of which 50 were attended by Doctors and 23 by Midwives;
and as a result 54 cases were referred to Hospitals for treatment, while 19
were attended to in their homes. Midwives attended 45 cases, and undertook
the care of the infants affected. As the result of visits by the Health Visitors,
the Council provided Nurses in 40 cases at a cost of £39 5s. This was
money well spent, for undoubtedly they have saved many eyes.

* Notifications which were also received from midwives, and had been notified by doctors,
are not included.
Of the 73 cases investigated, both of the infants' eyes were affected in
55 instances; while in 9 cases the right eye was involved and in 6 the left.
There were 2 cases of permanent disablement and 1 of partial disablement.