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109
There was a remarkable fall in the incidence of dysentery during
1957. Originally there were 23 cases notified but one was subsequently
re-diagnosed as food poisoning and 22 were eventually
recorded as confirmed compared with a figure of 480 for the previous
year.
The distribution of the cases was 9 in East Greenwich, 1 in
West Greenwich ; 1 in St. Nicholas, Deptford, and 11 in Charlton
and Kidbrooke.
Two cases were removed to hospital but there were no fatalities.
Scabies.—Four cases were so notified compared with 6 for the
previous year and 4 for 1955.
Treatment of all cases of scabies is carried out at the Tunnel
Avenue Centre.
Puerperal Pyrexia.—During the year there were 4 notifications
received in accordance with the 1951 Regulations, 2 of
which concerned Deptford residents, but from other sources 15 cases
concerning Greenwich residents were brought to the notice of the
department compared with 19 for 1956.
All patients received hospital treatment. There were no
fatalities.
Meningococcal Infection.—There were 2 notifications received
during 1957 compared with a nil return for last year and 5
for 1955.
Both cases were removed to hospital where one, a female of
20 months succumbed shortly after admission.
Acute Encephalitis. (Infective or Post Infectious).—A NIL
return is recorded for the current year, a similar return to those for
the years 1956, 1955 and 1954.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—In respect of this disease, one
notification was received. The case was kept under observation by
the Health Visitor at home and the child made a full recovery.
Poliomyelitis.—It has already been pointed out at the
commencement of this Section that the vagaries of notification
procedure have led to misleading statistics concerning specified
administrative areas and this is emphasised by the notifications
received in respect of poliomyelitis.