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85
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
The number of cases notified during 1937 was sixteen.
Cases of ophthalmia neonatorum require constant attention
and skilled nursing. The admission to hospital of both the mother
and infant offers the most satisfactory method of treatment.
During the year this arrangement Was followed in 12 instances.
Where treatment was carried out at home the health visitor visited
the home immediately the case was notified to offer the assistance
of a visiting nurse under the Council's Home Nursing Scheme
where such services were deemed to be necessary. Continued
supervision was carried out by the health visitor until the child
was well on the way to recovery.
Cases of inflammation of the eyes reported by the Medical
Officer of Health of the London County Council were also supervised
by the Health Visitors and the number of such cases brought to the
attention of the Public Health Department during the year under
review was 22. Twenty-four cases were also reported by the district
nursing associations operating in Camberwell.

Pneumonia.
Pneumonia is still one of the greatest menaces to human life
and health. Its prevalence and mortality follow very closely
seasonal temperatures.
The compulsorily notifiable types of this disease are acute
primary pneumonia and acute influenzal pneumonia.
There were 103 cases of acute primary and 50 of influenzal
pneumonia notified in 1937. As an aid to diagnosis the Council
provides facilities for the bacteriological examination of sputum.
Eighty-six of these patients were treated in institutions. Skilled
nursing is of primary importance in the treatment of the disease.
Home nursing services were provided by the Council in all cases
when requested.