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38
Diphtheria and Membranous Croup.
A total of 831 cases of diphtheria and 5 cases of membranous croup
have been notified, but, bacteriologically, all these cases were not,
necessarily, true cases. Even the bacillus diphtheria (Klebs-Lceffler),
when found in the throat or nose, without concurrent clinical symptoms,
may be of the non-virulent type, and, correspondingly, harmless and
negligible.
Measles and German Measles.
These diseases still remain compulsorily notifiable throughout the
Borough under the terms of the Public Health (Measles and German
Measles) Temporary Regulations, 1919, which came into force on
December 31st, 1919, continuing in force in certain Districts (set out in
the Schedule) the provisions of the Public Health (Measles and German
Measles) Regulations, 1915, until (in the case of the Borough of Lambeth)
March 31st, 1920, and since, by further Order of the Ministry of Health.
These temporary Regulations were necessary on account of the issuing
of the Public Health (Measles and German Measles) Regulations, 1915,
Rescission Order, 1919, rescinding the Public Health (Measles and
German Measles; Regulations, 1915, as from December 31st, 1919.
Every case of Measles and German Measles when notified is
officially visited and such precautionary measures are taken in connection
therewith as may be found necessary, including, in the case of
both Measles and German Measles, the systematic exclusion of nonprotected
contact children (i.e., children who have not previously had the
disease) and all contact children under 5 years of age from schools, or, if
desirable, the closing of an individual class or class rooms. There is
no interference with medical treatment by the Council's Officers, but
medical attendance is advised in all cases, and nursing, free of cost,
is provided by the Council in suitable cases as required under the
Lambeth Nursing (Infectious Diseases) Scheme.
Towards the end of the year 1925 the Measles (and German
Measles) outbreak became again a distinctly rising epidemic, and,
during the first quarter of the coming year 1926, there will be a rapid
upward movement in the number of cases notified, These rapid upward
movements recur at short intervals, shewing the epidemicity of the
diseases in question. Measles and German Measles became
compulsoiily notifiable on January 1st, 1916 throughout the Borough,
and it is interesting to learn the lessons (if any) to be drawn from the
experience gained during the ten years 1916-1925.