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61
Under the provisions of the Public Health (Notification of
Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia) Regulations, 1926, the
Council have appointed a consultant to assist medical practitioners
in the diagnosis of these diseases, and have provided facilities for the
examination of lochia or specimens from patients, and for the nursing
of cases where required. Hospital accommodation is provided by
the London County Council in their isolation hospitals.
Enteric Fever.
During 1930 three cases of Enteric Fever were notified in
Battersea. Two other cases notified were subsequently cancelled,
the diagnosis not being confirmed at hospital. There was no death
from this disease during the year.
Cerebro-Spinal Fever.
During 1930 two cases of Cerebro-Spinal Fever were notified
in Battersea, both patients dying in hospital. A third notification
was received, but was subsequently cancelled, the diagnosis not
being confirmed.
Encephalitis Lethargica.
One case of this disease was notified during 1930, the notification
being made after post-mortem examination. A second case
was also notified, but the notification was subsequently cancelled.
Three deaths from the disease were recorded, viz., the notified
case above mentioned, a case originally notified in 1921, and one
(un-notified) in which death occurred in hospital after an operation
for appendicitis.
In London the number of cases notified was 65, and in England
and Wales 740.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
There were 34 cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum notified in
Battersea during 1930, as compared with 43 in 1929, 39 in 1928,
48 in 1927, and 35 in 1926. The rate per 1,000 births was 12.8,
as compared with 16.4 in 1929, 14.2 in 1928, 17.1 in 1927, and
11.8 in 1926.
The disease was most prevalent in the less prosperous districts
of the Borough, East Battersea and North West Battersea contributing
73.5 per cent. of the total cases notified.
There were 5 severe cases amongst the 34 notified, all of which
were removed to St. Margaret's (M.A.B.) Hospital for treatment,
and three cases received in-patient treatment at other hospitals.
In only one case, which was still under treatment at the end of the
year, was danger threatened of permanent damage to the sight.