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8
The mortality from tuberculosis (341 deaths) was lower than
usual, and from both measles and whooping cough, diseases which
fluctuate from year to year, much lower than for many years.
Scarlet fever was more prevalent than in the previous three years,
though the deaths were very few, the cases being of a mild
character. The increase was not observable with respect to
Diphtheria. Typhoid fever reached a lower point than ever, only
seven cases being notified, and it is satisfactory to note that the
decline in cerebrospinal fever since the outbreak of 191-5 was
continued. A considerable number of men suffering from malaria
and dysentery acquired abroad on active service have returned to
civil life, but there appears to be no tendency for the diseases to
spread, not one case acquired in England having been reported
in St. Pancras.
The administration of the Borough schemes for Maternity and
Child Welfare and for the dispensary treatment of tuberculosis,
as well as the general work of the Public Health Department, are
recorded in detail in the report. The most noteworthy development
during the year was the work of the Special (Housing)
Committee which will also be found detailed in the text.
During the year the remaining members of the staff of the
Department who were still serving with H.M. Forces returned to
their civil duties.
The annual report which I submit herein has been arranged on
an entirely new plan as compared with my previous annual
reports, in order to comply with the suggestions which have been
made by the Ministry of Health to all Medical Officers of Health
with a view to securing a measure of uniformity in such reports
throughout the country.
In conclusion I have the pleasure of once more expressing
my appreciation of the manner in which I have been assisted by
the staff of the Department during a strenuous year's work. I
would like also to offer my thanks to your Public Health
Committee for the support they have given me; and to the
Council for the personal consideration which they have always
shown me.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. Ahsdick Hijjim
Medical Officer of Health,