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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.
A fresh outbreak of these diseases began at the end of the year
1927, the preceding epidemic, 1925-1926, having died down at the
end of 1926.
Puerperal Sepsis.
Much attention is still being paid to this disease, it being felt
that, as a preventable disease, it should be non-existent. 22 cases of
puerperal fever (7 deaths) were notified, 8 connected with abortions
and miscarriages and 14 others out of 7,016 total births notified—
a comparatively small percentage, especially having regard to the
large lying-in Institutions and Maternity Departments of Hospitals
that exist in the Borough. At the same time, this comparatively
small number (27) of notified puerperal fever cases is above the
averages (yearly) for the decennia 1891-1900 (18.9), 1901-10 (17.0),
and 1911-1920 (21.8), as is also the figure for the previous quinquennium
1921-1925, viz.: 31.4, results that are probably more
apparent than real and are to be explained by more exact notification
and diagnosis and the fact that septicaemia following miscarriages
and abortions (at all stages) are now notifiable as well as
septicaemia arising after the births of viable infants.
Every effort is being made to reduce the yearly figure, small
though it be in comparison with the large number of births that are
annually notified officially in connection with Lambeth mothers.
In this connection, the issuing of the Public Health (Notification
of Puerperal Pyrexia and Puerperal Fever) Regulations, 1926,
which came into force on October 1st, 1926, are proving of value—
57 cases of puerperal pyrexia having been notified during 1927.
Under these Regulations, the Council has appointed Obstetrical
Experts, viz. : Dr. Wyatt (for the Inner Districts) and Dr. Gilliatt
(for the Outer Districts), with Dr. Bousfield as Expert Bacteriologist
for the taking and examining of samples of lochia and blood as
required. During 1927, the services of these experts had to be
requisitioned on three separate occasions only.