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Measles. In 1901 there were 49 deaths nearly all below 5 years of
age, directly attributable to measles. As measles was not at that
time notifiable it was impossible even to guess at the total number of
cases.
In 1963 there were 398 cases but no deaths.
Whooping cough. In 1901 there were 37 deaths all under 5 years of age,
directly attributable to Whooping Cough. Like measles being not
notifiable at that time there is no evidence available as to its
incidence.
In 1963 there were 37 cases and no deaths.
Enteritis of infants. In 1901 there were 127 deaths and an unknown but
very large number of cases.
In 1963 there were 26 case, one of which was serious, and resulted
in death, which is most unusual these days.
Erysipelas. In 1901 there were 95 cases with 4 deaths.
In 1963 there were 6 cases none of them serious.
Poliomyelitis, meningococcal infections and encephalitis. In 1901 there
were no records of any of these diseases having occurred, and in 1963
two cases occurred.
In the intervening years however, a considerable number of cases
with some deaths occurred.
Tuberculosis. In 1901 there were in all 276 deaths from all forms of
tuberculosis and there must have been a very large number of cases,
many probably unrecognised in the population. The deaths were most
numerous in the overcrowded parts of the Borough away from the open
spaces. A large number occurred in the same houses. Much concern was
felt in regard to this disease but efforts were frustrated in that no
sanatoriums were available for treatment, and of course the help that
X-rays could give in diagnosis had not been discovered. Methods of
prevention that could be adopted were practically confined to education
as to infection being spread by spitting, and disinfection, voluntary
notification was arranged by the Borough council with the approval of
the Local Government Board, but only 70 cases came to the knowledge of
the department in this way. Finsbury was the first Metropolitan Borough
to introduce this arrangement. Arrangements were made for the pathological
examination of sputum for Tubercle Bacilli.
In 1963 23 new cases of Tuberculosis were notified and the number
of deaths amounted to two. A specialist physician with a clinic in the
Health centre with access to pathological and X-ray aids to diagnosis
and treatment gave advice wherever needed in the recognition and supervision
of the disease, and accommodation in various institutions was
readily available when required.
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