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The corrected attack rate is equivalent to .56 per 1,000 population,
but taking the estimated child population of the Borough
(0/15 years) as 14,000, the attack rate per 1,000 child population
is 3.0.
There was one fatality which gives a case mortality of 1.8%.
There hundred and ninety eight swabs wore forwarded by
medical practitioners for bacteriological examination from cases
suspected to be Diphtheria. Of this number 383 were reported to
give negative or doubtful results and 15 were positive in character,
being dealt with accordingly.
Diphtheria Immunisation.—Facilities for diphtheria immunisation
are available in the Borough either by arrangement with the
Seamen's Hospital, or through local Medical Practitioners. In
addition, inoculations are carried out at the London County Council
Schools by the School Medical Officer.
Toxoid Antitoxin Floccules is the antigen given at the Seamen's
Hospital and three inoculations are considered necessary, whilst
under the London County Council and local Medical Practitioners'
schemes, two only of Alum Precipitated Toxoid are required.
During the year, 544 children were immunised at Seamen's
Hospital; 53 by local Medical Practitioners; 232 by School
Medical Officers; and 5 were reported by other local authorities—
thus making a total of 834 cases completed, as compared with
669 for the previous year. 640 cases were under 5 years of age, and
194 cases were between the ages of 5 and 15.227 cases were given
Post-Schick tests.
Despite the extensive propaganda campaign, both nationally
and locally, it must be confessed that the number of children
immunised during the year, fell far short of the target figure. No
doubt a contributing factor was a further exodus of young children
to "Safe" areas, in the latter part of the previous year during the
rocket projectile attacks, and also to the consequent disorganisation
of the L.C.C. Schools scheme.
Scabies.—This disease became compulsorily notifiable on the
1st August, 1943 and was responsible for 312 cases. There were
405 for the previous year. 134 occurred in East Greenwich, 60 in
West Greenwich, 36 in St. Nicholas, Deptford, and 82 in Charlton
and Kidbrooke. Residents who are suffering from this disease may
obtain treatment at the Council's Cleansing Station. Adults, and
children under school age, are accommodated at St. Alfege's Hospital
Centre, and school children at the Tunnel Avenue Centre.
Puerperal Fever.—Four cases were reported during the year
as compared with 9 for the previous year.