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of the number of deaths that occurred among persons attacked by
encephalitis.
Owing to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease it is
probable that notification is often delayed for some time after
the actual attack, and that many mild and abortive cases escape
notification altogether.
Although encephalitis lethargica is regarded as infectious,
the degree of infectivity seems to be very slight. As yet, in no
house in this Borough has more than one case occurred, and it
has not been possible to trace any contact between any two cases.
The conveyance of infection from one person to another is attributed
to carriers. At the same time it is desirable to impress that
association with an infected person should be limited, and that
the patient should be removed to hospital or isolated until recovery
is made.
As the disease frequently runs a long and slow course and the
after effects are of such a serious nature, involving crippling and
mental impairment, it has been the custom for all cases to be
followed up and kept under observation.
Information was received in 1925 from the London County
Council that suitable cases of post encephalitis lethargica could
be sent to the Metropolitan Asylums Board Hospital, Winchmore
Hill. Cases will only be admitted up to 15 years of age.
This is a step in the right direction, and an early extension of
the arrangements to take suitable cases at all ages is highly
desirable.
Measles.
This disease is not notifiable in Camberwell, consequently
this Department has to depend on the Schools' returns of
absentees, information from Health Visitors and other agencies
for information as to cases.
In view of the dangerous complications which are liable to
follow neglected cases of measles, all known cases are visited by
the Women Inspectors, and the parents advised as to the necessity
of seeking the assistance of a doctor. Isolation, as far as possible,
is insisted on, and, when necessary, the services of a district
nurse are provided.
Many cases, whose living conditions do not allow of satisfactory
treatment at home, are removed to the Metropolitan
Asylums Board hospitals on the certificate of the Medical Officer
of Health.
A conference was held in 1921 between the London County
Council and the representatives of the Metropolian Borough
Councils for the purpose of considering the' better control of
measles in London.
Resolutions were passed for the purpose of making more