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50. Nursing. The Council made arrangements in 1916 for
the home nursing of measles cases by voluntary nursing associations.
During 1919, 98 cases were nursed at home at a total cost
of £28 13s. 4d. The number of visits paid by nurses was 1,024,
thus averaging 10 visits per case.
All cases occurring in children under 5 were visited by the
Health Visitors.
51. Deaths. The number of deaths due to measles was 7, as
compared with 21 in 1918, and 31 in 1917. Six of these occurred
in children under five years of age. The death-rate from measles,
namely 0 05, is the lowest which has ever occurred in the history
of the borough.
There has been a slight reduction in the death-rate from measles
since 1901. The reduction this year is exceptional, but it must
be borne in mind that the falling birth-rate was a factor in this
reduction. Measles is a disease which affects young children
and, generally speaking, the younger the child the graver the
prognosis; and owing to the diminution in the number of children
living under five years of age, the death-rate has accordingly
fallen. The provision of nursing assistance is an additional
factor, and probably more important in the reduction of the
death-rate.
52. School Closure. To prevent the spread of measles in
school, the London County Council have continued to close schools
or departments (24 in 1919 as compared with 6 in 1918), and to
exclude unprotected children from school. The period of exclusion
or closure was usually for a few days only, but in some cases
for two weeks.
Whooping - Cough.
53. During the year, 129 cases of whooping-cough came to
the knowledge of the department through the school services. No