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Sanitary Inspectors, who explained to the parents the infectious
nature of whooping cough and how to prevent the spread of this
disease. Home nursing treatment was also offered in certain cases,
and where the home conditions or the severity of the illness
warranted removal of the patient to hospital the required arrangements
were made. Hospital treatment was provided in 48 instances.
The deaths recorded during the year as due to whooping cough
numbered 10 as compared with 20 in 1933.
The propaganda activities of the Department include the
distribution by the health visitors of pamphlets containing information
relating to whooping cough as well as measles, at the homes
visited by the Health Visitors.
Influenza.
During 1934, influenza was not unduly prevalent, and was mild
in type. The number of deaths attributed to this disease was 28.
Other Diseases.
No case of epidemic jaundice, rheumatic fever, undulant fever,
glandular fever or psittacosis came to the notice of the Health
Department in 1934.
Cancer.
Cancer was responsible for 401 deaths or 13.6 per cent. of the
total deaths in the Borough.
Our knowledge of the causes of cancer still remains obscure
with the exception that irritants such as tar oils, and excessive
exposure to X-rays are known to give rise to cancer of the skin. The
Health Department endeavours to instruct the public as to the signs
and symptoms of this disease in various sites of the body most
commonly affected, by the distribution of leaflets prepared specially
for both men and women. Cancer, if taken in time, is frequently
amenable to treatment by modern methods, and this fact should
never be overlooked. Delay in seeking medical advice is usually
prompted by fear, and often results in unnecessary suffering and
frequently in disaster to the patient.
Bacteriological Examinations.
The report of the Council's Bacteriologist on examinations
carried out during the year ended December 31st, 1934, is as follows: