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The number of cases notified during 1929 was 463, which is
the lowest number recorded in any year during the last ten years,
with the exception of 1920. Ido not think, however, that this
figure is a matter for congratulation, it is still far too high, especially
as experience proves the efficacy of modern methods of
prevention and treatment. The number of deaths from this
disease was 6 as compared with an average of 36 for the last ten
years; 23 cases were returned from hospital as not suffering from
diphtheria.
SCARLET FEVER.
The number of cases notified during the year was 584 and
2 patients died. The number of cases returned as not suffering
was 23.
SMALL POX.
Forty-six cases of smallpox have been notified during the
year. Compared with neighbouring Boroughs, this Borough has
been extremely fortunate in having so small a number of cases.
The general epidemic in which we have shared to such a relatively
small extent has been the cause of an enormous increase of work.
Every case is reported to the Ministry of Health and to the
London County Council, and. all contacts living or working in
the Borough, whether they are contacts of a Bermondsey patient
or of a case occurring elsewhere, are kept under supervision for
sixteen days. In several instances there have been more than a
hundred contacts to a single case and as the number of notifications
in London during the year has approximated 2,000, the
increased amount of work entailed by the epidemic is obvious.
We have had no severe cases during the year and only one case
has been returned as not suffering from small-pox.
MEASLES.
In anticipation of the occurrence of an epidemic of this
disease during the latter months of the year, special arrangements
have been made with the School Medical Officer of the London
County Council, by which it is hoped to obtain earlier knowledge