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65
Whooping Cough.—The figure of 194 notified cases compares
favourably with the total of 385 for the previous year. Of the 194
cases notified, 71 occurred in East Greenwich ; 31 in West Greenwich
12 in St. Nicholas, Deptford ; and 80 in Charlton and Kidbrooke.
Twelve cases were under one year of age ; 122 between 1 and 5 years ;
and 60 between the ages of 5 and 15. Thirteen cases were removed
to hospital.
There were no fatalities among the notified cases. The death
of a child of 4 months in the Brook Hospital was later attributed
to this cause although no notification had been received in respect
of this case.
Diphtheria.—Out of 9 cases notified, 7 were subsequently
re-diagnosed giving a final total of 2 which is the lowest figure ever
recorded.
There were no fatalities arising from this disease.
Antitoxin.—In accordance with the Antitoxin Order, 1910, a
supply of Antitoxin is provided by the Council for the use of General
Practitioners in emergency cases. One request was dealt with
during the year.
Bacteriological Examinations.—Three hundred and fifteen
swabs from suspected cases of Diphtheria were forwarded by
Medical Practitioners for bacteriological examination. Of this
number only 1 proved to be positive in character, being dealt with
accordingly.
Acute Primary Pneumonia and Acute Influenzal Pneumonia.—There
were 30 cases attributed to these causes as compared
with 32 for the previous year and 72 during 1947. Eight occurred in
East Greenwich ; 9 in West Greenwich ; 5 in St. Nicholas, Deptford;
and 8 in Charlton and Kidbrooke. There was one death ascribed to
Acute Influenzal Pneumonia. Seven cases were removed to hospital.
Typhoid Fever.—In the first instance 2 cases were notified,
one of which was not confirmed. Subsequently, a notified case of
Zymotic Enteritis was re-diagnosed as Typhoid Fever, thus giving
a final figure of 2 attributable to this cause. Both cases received
hospital treatment which resulted in complete recovery.
Despite investigation, no contact with other cases or other
source of infection could be established in the first of these two cases,
but in respect of the second, the patient was an ex-passenger of the
liner S.S. " Mooltan " which arrived from Australia in the middle
of December. Several members of the crew were diagnosed as
suffering from the disease.
Thorough investigation was carried out, including the taking
of 20 specimen faeces, all of which proved negative.