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instance an attempt was made to trace the source of infection but with comparatively
little success. As far as possible all contacts were swabbed, and in 4 instances a
positive result was obtained. All of these were members of the same family and
had been in contact with one of the fatal cases. None of the persons showed any
symptoms either before or after the discovery of the presence of the germs and
subsequent examinations gave negative results.
Erysipelas.—Of this disease 74 cases were notified, mainly from the Workhouse
Infirmary and other institutions Erysipelas was stated to be the cause of death in
4 cases.
Puerperal Fever.—No notifications were received. One death which occurred
outside the Borough was stated to have been due to puerperal fever.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—The total number of cases notified was 11, as
against 14 in 1915. Visits were paid to all cases by the women inspectors.
Measles and German Measles.—The Public Health (Measles and German
Measles) Regulations, 1915) came into operation on 1st January, 1916, and in all
461 cases (Measles 257 ; German Measles 204) were notified during the year.
In every way possible the fact that it was incumbent upon the parents to notify
was made public, nevertheless only 12 of the total notifications were made by a
parent. Medical practitioners, to whom a special notice had been sent, notified the
remainder. Notices from school teachers with regard to cases that had occurred
numbered 172.
The deaths from measles numbered 7, as against 53 in 1915.
As in previous years visits were paid to all houses in which measles was known
to exist and advice given with regard to the prevention of the spread of infection and
as to the necessity for taking care of the patient. In addition, under an agreement,
entered into between the Council and the Paddington and Marylebone Nursing
Association, the services of a nurse were provided for most of the cases in which the
attack was severe.
For several reasons, amongst them that the accommodation was required for
other purposes, it was possible to arrange for hospital isolation for only 90 of
the cases.
Whooping Cough.—This being a non-notifiable disease it is impossible to state
the number of cases that occurred. The deaths registered as due to it, however,
numbered 21 as against 14 in 1915.
Tuberculosis.—-The total number of cases of tuberculosis notified during the
year was 418, of which 342 were pulmonary cases, the remaining 76 notifications
relating to cases in which other structures than the lungs were affected.
The table which follows, contains the information required by the Local
Government Board with regard to notifications. Notifications made on Form B.
relate to school children. The number it will be noted was 43, as aginst 20 in 1915.
Of the 76 cases in which parts other than the lungs were affected, in 22 the
infection was limited to the glands of the neck: in 38 one of the joints, and in 2 the
spine was the part attacked.
Treatment of Tuberculosis.—Of the cases notified 90 in all received some form
of institutional treatment, and during the year every eftort was made to obtain
admission to sanatoria of cases deemed suitable for such treatment. In this
connection it may be noted that the arrangements made by the London County
Council, for providing treatment for children and others, though there were delays,
continued to work smoothly and little difficulty was experienced in obtaining the
information required in respect of patients to be removed. Of the total cases
notified, 95 were insured persons, and of these 37 applied for sanatorium benefit,
2 dying before gaining admission.