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No reactions were reported in any of the cases and since the
commencement of the scheme at the end of 1936, no inoculated
child has been found suffering from diphtheria.
The scheme in general appears to function quite well, but it
must be stated that the number of cases dealt with are too few,
relative to the child population, to be a factor in the prevention
of diphtheria.
Zymotic Enteritis or Epidemic Diarrhoea.—One hundred
and fourteen cases were notified throughout the whole of the
Borough, 80 being under one year of age, and 34 one to five. 48 of
such notifications related to patients in East Greenwich, 40 in
West Greenwich, 5 in St. Nicholas, Deptford, and 21 in Charlton
and Kidbrooke.
Four deaths were certified as being due to Diarrhoeal diseases.
Dysentery.—Twenty-three cases of this disease were notified,
seventeen of which were in the first quarter of the year. Fifteen
occurred in East Greenwich, 2 in West Greenwich, and six in
Charlton. Eleven cases were removed to Hospital for treatment.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—Fifteen cases of this disease
were notified compared with 12 in the previous year. Six occurred
in East Greenwich, 5 in West Greenwich, 1 in St. Nicholas and
3 in Charlton and Kidbrooke. 9 cases were removed to Hospital
for treatment.
In no case was the type proved venereal, nor were any permanent
effects reported.
Scarlet Fever.—The number of notifications received during
the year was 161, as compared with 183, 305 and 301 for the years
1937, 1936 and 1935, and is the lowest number recorded since the
year 1917.
Of the cases, 43 were in East Greenwich, 38 in West Greenwich,
16 in St. Nicholas, Deptford, and 64 in Charlton and Kidbrooke.
149 cases were removed to Hospital and of these 7 were discharged
but still suffering from Erythema (3), Tonsillitis (2) and Measles (2).
There was one death from Scarlet Fever during the year.
Enteric Fever.—There were three cases of Enteric Fever
notified during the year. Two were removed to Hospital, the remaining
case being a nurse who had contracted the disease from
another case in hospital. There were no fatalities.
Thorough investigations were made with a view to ascertaining
the source of infection but without success.