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 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford Borough]
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70
Encephalitis Lethargica.
During the five years terminating 1924 (in which year the incidence
reached its peak) the average annual number of cases notified was
three. The subsequent figures were:—
Average Average
1925-1929 1930-1934 1935 1936 1937 1938
Cases 5 0.4 1 - -
Deaths 2.4 1 - - 1 2
All cases are periodically re-visited and treatment offered.
Pneumonia.
Both Acute Primary and Influenzal Pneumonia are notifiable, and a statement of the notifications received and deaths recorded follows:—
| No. of cases Notified. | No. of deaths (all forms of Pneumonia.) | Death rate per 1,000 population. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average 1920-1924 | 94 | 137 | 1.2 |
| „ 1925-1929 | 172 | 121 | 1.0 |
| „ 1930-1934 | 114 | 87 | 0.8 |
| 1935 | 77 | 64 | 0.6 |
| 1936 | 83 | 63 | 0.6 |
| 1937 | 117 | 83 | 0.9 |
| 1938 | 96 | 75 | 0.8 |
For the treatment of Pneumonia a stock of Vaccines and Sera for
issue to Practitioners is kept at the Town Hall.
Malaria.
Since the 1st January, 1928, Malaria, induced therapeutically, is notifiable if liable to recur.
| Average 1920-1924 | Average 1925-1929 | Average 1930-1934 | 1935 | 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cases | 8 | 4 | 0.8 | — | 2 | — | 1 |
No deaths have been registered from this cause.
Dysentery.
The figures are as follows:—
| Average 1920-1924 (total) | Average 1925-29 | Average 1930-1234 | 1935 | 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cases | 3 | 2.5 | 0 | — | 1 | 20 | 12 |
| Deaths | — | 0.4 | 0 | _ | _ | _ | _ |
The incidence of Dysentery (Sonne type) reported last year continued
into 1939, the last of the 12 cases being notified in May.