View report page

25
is seen by the increased interest taken by the mothers in the
proper methods of cutting out and making up of suitable
garments for the expectant mother and for her newly born
infant. Many of the old prejudices and unhygienic customs
are gradually giving way to this educational campaign, which
must necessarily react with advantage to the health and
comfort of both mothers and children.
Among other matters, the question of the provision of
home helps is not being overlooked. The comprehensive
scheme of the Council is developing steadily and progressively
under the direction of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee,
and it is confidently anticipated that by the end of
1921 the Borough Scheme will be a complete—if not model—
one.
In accordance with the instruction contained in the
memorandum of the Ministry of Health as to contents and
arrangement of annual reports of Medical Officers of Health,
details of the incidence of puerperal fever, ophthalmia
neonatorum, measles, whooping cough, epidemic diarrhœa,
polio-myelitis, etc., are set out in this section of the report.
Puerperal Fever.
Thirty-one cases of puerperal fever were notified in
Battersea during the year 1920, and 7 deaths were registered
from the disease, giving a case-mortality of 22.6 per cent.
The number of cases per 1,000 births was 6.64 in 1920, as
compared with 358 in 1919; while the fatality from puerperal
fever per 1,000 births was 1.5 in 1920 and 1.3 in 1919. The
death-rate was 0.042 per 1,000 population. The 7 deaths
from puerperal fever were distributed as follows: East
Battersea, 1; North-West Battersea, 3; South-West Battersea,
3; the number of cases notified in each of the sub-districts
being 12, 13 and 6, respectively.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
There were 105 cases of ophthalmia neonatorum notified
in the Borough during 1920, as compared with 78 in 1919.
The rate per 1,000 births was 22.5 in 1920, as compared with
25.4 in 1919.
Visits are at once made, on receipt of notification, to
the homes of children suffering from this serious infectious
disease of the eyes. Steps are taken to see that nursing
attendance is provided by arrangement with the South London
District Nursing Association if the case is being treated at
home. Four cases were removed to the Metropolitan Asylums