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Rheumatism.
It is generally agreed that there is not one predominating
cause of an attack of rheumatism, but that a combination of many
factors, such as a damp atmosphere, poverty, lack of ventilation
in dwelling houses, produce the clinical condition known as rheumatism.
Cases of this disease that come to the notice of this department
are visited by the Sanitary Inspectors, and where any sanitary
nuisances are discovered in the patient's home these promptly
receive attention.
Other Diseases.
No cases of anthrax, epidemic jaundice, undulant fever,
glandular fever, or psittacosis, came to the notice of the Health
Department during 1933.
Cancer.
The deaths from cancer in 1933 unfortunately show an
increase, viz., 451, as compared with 396 in 1932.
The sites of the body affected and the age at which death
occurred is given in the following table.
Every endeavour is made to instruct the general public by
leaflet distribution as to the symptoms of this disease in sites of
the body commonly affected, and to stress the importance of early
examination by a doctor for the purpose of receiving treatment in
the most favourable stage of the disease for a cure.
Bacteriological Examinations.
The Council's bacteriological work is conducted by Dr. G.
Bousfield, at his laboratory, 134, Denmark Hill. The total number
of specimens dealt with during the year (excluding milk and ice
cream) was 4,833, as follows: —
Diphtheria examinations 2,652
Sputum examinations 2,097
Widal's Test for Typhoid and Paratyphoid 31
Miscellaneous specimens 29
Bath waters 12
Experimental bath water 1
Ice Creams 9
Ice Creams (for Typhoid) 2
Per cent, positive 10.4
20.3
9.6
Total 4,833
Dr. Bousfield states that the number of Diphtheria examinations
required during the year was somewhat greater than the
previous year, and the number of sputum examinations demanded
was approaching 400 less. The total number of examinations done
was less by 218 than was the case in the year ended December 31st,
1932. This diminution is entirely confined to the reduction in the
number of sputa. All the positive blood tests for the Typhoidparatyphoid
group were found to be due to B. Paratyphosus "B."