London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Deptford 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford Borough]
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Measles. That Measles is a most important cause of death is often overlooked. The following is a statement of the mortality during recent years.
| No. of Deaths. | Percentage of total Deaths. | Death-rate per 1,000 population. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average 1915-1924 | 27 | 1·7 | 0·24 |
| 1925-1929 | 20 | 1·4 | 0·17 |
| 1930-1934 | 18 | 1·4 | 0·17 |
| 1935 | 1 | 0·09 | 0·01 |
| 1936 | 9 | 0·7 | 0·09 |
| 1937 | 1 | 0·09 | 0·01 |
Measles is not a notifiable disease, but during the year under report
21 cases were heard of through schools and other sources, and visited by
the Health Visitors. Where the home accommodation was unsuitable,
the patients were removed to hospital, and in one other instance nursing
assistance was provided by the Council.
Whooping-Cough. The fatality in past years is as follows:—
| No. of Deaths. | Percentage of total Deaths. | Death-rate per 1,000 population. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average 1915-1924 | 24 | 1·5 | 0·22 |
| 1925-1929 | 13 | 0·9 | 0·11 |
| 1930-1934 | 10 | 0·7 | 0·1 |
| 1935 | 5 | 0·5 | 0·05 |
| 1936 | 7 | 0·6 | 0·07 |
| 1937 | 10 | 0·9 | 0·10 |
Cases of Whooping-cough selected either because of unsuitable home
conditions or the presence of other young children in the home, or on
account of complications, are sent into hospital. 138 cases were heard
of through schools, etc., and visited by health visitors.
Tetanus.
A supply of Anti-toxin is kept at the Town Hall for issue to
practitioners on request.