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31
measles has appeared in epidemic form in Fulham
and throughout London generally every alternate
winter, so that although the figures of notifications
for 1922 and 1923 are somewhat similar, the figures
taken over the winter period of 1921-22 and 1922-23
are very different. Though the notifications during
the two winter quarters, 1921-22, amount to 1,676,
those for the two winter quarters, 1922-23, amount
only to 153. At the time of writing we are in the midst
of the epidemic period for winter 1923-24; and have,
in fact, had 1,318 notifications during the last quarter
of 1923. It will be of interest to look at the number
of notifications received for the various quarters of
the last two years when the gradual decline of the
winter 1921-22 epidemic will be noticed, followed by
the start of the winter 1923-24 epidemic.
Number of cases notified for the quarter ending :—
1922. 1923.
March 31st 1,315 March 31st 116
June 30th 954 June 30th 309
September 30th 132 September 30th 208
December 31st 37 December 31st 1,318
As stated above, there have been 22 deaths from
measles during the year under review, and I have gone
through these cases in an endeavour to ascertain, if
possible, some of the underlying causes. The Council
will be aware that hospital accommodation is provided
by the Metropolitan Asylums Board for severe cases
of measles where, in the opinion of the Borough Medical
Officer of Health, the home conditions are unsatisfactory.
The Poor Law Guardians also admit cases
of measles into certain wards in the Infirmary.
Further, home nursing is provided for cases of
measles by the Council through the agency of the
Queen Victoria Jubilee District Nurses. All cases
of measles which are notified to the Public Health
Department are at once visited by one of the Health
Visitors, who, if necessary, points out to the parents
the means available for dealing with the case by removal
to hospital or by district nurse.