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46
Pneumonia.
Sixty-four cases of pneumonia were notified during the year. Twenty-two
of these were influenzal pneumonia.
The 42 cases of primary pneumonia were notified at the following ages:—
Under 1 year, 3; from 1 to 5 years, 10; from 5 to 15 years, 2; from 15 to 25 years,
2; from 25 to 45 years, 11; from 45 to 65 years, 10; and 65 years and upwards, 4.
Seventeen of the 12 died. Nineteen were treated at home; twelve were removed
to voluntary hospitals; nine to Poor Law Infirmaries; one to a hospital of the
Metropolitan Asylums Board, and one to a private nursing home. Six of the
patients were nursed by the Metropolitan Nursing Association under the
arrangements made by the Council.
7,066 cases were notified in London.
Influenza.
There were 21 deaths from influenza in comparison with 8 in 1921, 11 in
1920, 46 in 1919, and 138 in 1918.
A minor wave of influenza passed over the country during the latter part
1921 and the early part of the present year.
The disease is not notifiable and the extent of its prevalence has therefore
to be estimated on the number of deaths recorded. This number showed signs
of increase in the early part of December, 1921, and continued to increase until
the middle of January, 1922, from which date the outbreak subsided.
Having regard to the population of Holborn in comparison with the whole of
London the deaths recorded in the Borough are less than our numerical
proportion, the rate in London being 0.57 per 1,000 and in Holborn 0.49 per
1,000. Moreover as we have a large amount of common lodging house
accommodation and our population probably includes more than the norma!
proportion of old people, it would appear that the incidence of the disease in the
Borough was somewhat less severe than in London as whole.
Steps taken to deal with the outbreak included a supply of anti-influenza
vaccine; the exhibition of warning posters; the distribution of special leaflets;
the maintenance of efficient and uninterrupted ventilation in theatres and
cinemas churches and other places of assembly; and a communication to
proprietors of restaurants respecting the necessity for thoroughly cleansing all
glasses, drinking utensils. etc.
Anthrax.
No case of anthrax was notified during the year.
Venereal Disease.
During the year the Council were requested to support a resolution adopted
by the Wandsworth Borough Council asking the Government to promote
legislation providing for the compulsory treatment of cases of venereal disease,
subject to adequate safeguards being taken to prevent publicity.