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There were 200 cases of Puerperal Fever notified in London.
A comparison of the incidence of Puerperal Fever in London and
Battersea will be found on page 139.
The number of cases of Puerperal Pyrexia notified in Battersea
was 21, and the incidence per 1,000 births (live and still) was 9.68.
One of these cases was also notified as a case of Puerperal Fever
and is included in the preceding figure.
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
bacteriological examination of discharges, &c., from patients, and
for the nursing of cases where required. The consultant obstetrician
was not called to any case during 1938. Hospital accommodation
for the treatment of Puerperal Fever is provided by the London
County Council in their North Western Hospital.
Enteric Fever.
During the year 4 cases of Typhoid Fever, 3 of which were
of Paratyphoid B, were notified, excluding 3 other cases in which
the original diagnosis was not confirmed.
There were no deaths of Battersea residents from this disease.
Cerebro-Spinal Fever.
One case of Cerebro-Spinal Fever was notified in Battersea.
The patient was removed to hospital. One other notification was
subsequently cancelled.
Encephalitis Lethargica.
No notification of this disease was received during 1938,
but three deaths were ascribed to post encephalitis lethargica.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
There were 29 cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum notified in
Battersea during 1938, as compared with 12 in 1937, 29 in 1936,
21 in 1935, and 23 in 1934. The rate per 1,000 live births was 13.7.
There were 8 severe cases amongst the 29 notified, of which 6
were removed to St. Margaret's (L.C.C.) Hospital for treatment,
and 2 received treatment in other hospitals.
All cases notified during the year were reported to be cured
without damage to sight.