Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Report for the year 1925 of the Medical Officer of Health
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times endeavoured to make arrangements by which anti-toxin could be
kept on the western side of the Borough for use by medical practitioners,
either at the Police Station or the Fire Station; but I regret to say that
neither of the authorities concerned were able to see their way to
co-operate with the proposal.
Encephalitis Lethargica.
Nine cases occurred in 1925. In a few instances other patients
were thought to be suffering from this disease, but the diagnosis was
ultimately altered. Of the 9 cases referred to, 5 were removed to
hospital. Four of these made a good recovery and one died. Of the
4 cases nursed at home, 2 recovered, one patient, while not affected with
paralysis, experienced a loss of muscular power, and one died.
One other death occurred from this disease. This patient was
notified in 1924, and was removed to hospital.
There is a need of some form of institutional treatment for cases
who have recovered from the early symptoms of this disease and who are
left with symptoms of a more-or-less chronic nature. These symptoms
are of a very difficult type; they involve change of character on the part
of the individual, lethargy, mental irritability and obscure symptoms of
paralysis. They appear to be difficult to manage in their own homes, and
an institution of some sort would be of assistance in these cases.
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis.
Two cases of this disease occurred in 1925, and both patients were
removed to hospital. The cases terminated fatally.
Polio Myelitis.
One case was notified in 1925, and was nursed at home. The
patient made a good recovery.
Enteric Fever.
Eleven cases occurred in 1925. In one other iustance the diagnosis
was subsequently corrected.
Eight patients were nursed at home, and three were removed to
hospital. No case proved fatal. In four instances the patients had
returned from holidays or travel.
Bacteriological Work.
Bacteriological examinations are carried out by the Lister Institute
of Preventive Medicine, except examinations of material for
detection of tubercle bacilli, which are performed by the bacteriologist