London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hampstead 1947

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hampstead Borough]

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Infectious Disease during 1947.

NotificationsRemovals to HospitalsDeaths
Cerebro-Spinal Fever11-
Diphtheria33-
Dysentery42-
Erysipelas1710-
Malaria3---
Measles84848-
Ophthalmia Neonatorum11-
Pneumonia54309
Poliomyelitis19152
Puerperal Fever11—
Puerperal Pyrexia118—
Scabies88-—
Scarlet Fever6320-
Typhoid Fever11-
Whooping Cough21227—
Total1,32616711

Cancelled cases have not been included.
Poliomyelitis.
During the year 1947, there have been 19 cases of Infantile Paralysis
notified in the Borough, in the following age groups :—
0-5 years 5
5-15 ,, 5
Over 15 ,, 6
There were two deaths.
In addition, 14 cases were removed to hospital for observation but
subsequently diagnosed as non-poliomyelitis. As a consequence of
this comparatively small incidence of notified cases of poliomyelitis
in the Borough, our actions throughout were essentially a matter of
compromise limited by consideration of public convenience and of the
minimum possible interference with the ordinary routine of life.
It was not considered necessary to close Day Nurseries, Swimming
Baths or Infant Welfare Centres, but action was taken to cancel Swimming
Galas and any other activity which involved unnecessary aggregation of
young persons.
All the homes of the notified cases were visited, but in no case was
it possible to trace any association with any other case. It is difficult,
therefore, to refrain from assuming that the reservoir of infection was
in the missed ambulant case.
Smallpox.
No case of smallpox occurred in the Borough during 1947.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
Free immunisation against diphtheria may be obtained:—
(a) At Borough Council clinics held weekly at No. 230, Haverstock
Hill, N.W.3 (Wednesdays, 2 to 3 p.m.), and No. 60, West
End Lane, N.W.6 (Fridays, 2 to 3 p.m.).