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In 1927 the number of notified cases of this disease in England
and Wales was 1,617, and in London 149.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
There were 48 cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum notified in
Battersea during 1927 as compared with 35 cases in 1926, 32 cases
in 1925, 41 cases in 1924 and 42 cases in 1923. The rate per 1,000
births was 17.1, as compared with 11.8 in 1926, 10.0, 13.1 and
12.2 in 1925, 1924 and 1923 respectively.
The disease was most prevalent in the less prosperous districts
of the Borough, East Battersea and North West Battersea contributing
87.5 per cent. of the total cases notified.
During 1927 the number of visits paid by nurses supplied by
the Borough Council in cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum or other
inflammatory condition of the eyes of the newly-born, was 2,829.
In addition 134 visits of enquiry and supervision were made by
Health Visitors.
There were 9 severe cases amongst the 48 notified, all of
which were removed to St. Margaret's (M.A.B.) Hospital for
treatment. No permanent damage to the eyes of infants suffering
from Ophthalmia Neonatorum or other inflammatory condition
of the eves was recorded during the year.