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

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Paddington 1921

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Paddington, Metropolitan Borough of]

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27
measles.

Measles.

Queen.s ParkHarrow RoadMaida Vale.West-bourneChurchLancaster GateHyde Park
West.East
1914-182614713073474169185147
19193515901782712675972102
1920287500126277480696580
19213568311332988

Fatality, Mortality.—There were three deaths during the year, a total which compares
remarkably with the annual averages for 1909-13 (50), and 1914-18 (53). The maximum
number of deaths in any year since 1909 was 116, recorded in 1917. In 1914 the deaths
numbered 4, and in 1916, 3.
The fatality of the disease was 2.4 per cent., nearly the same as the average rate (2.5) for
1914-18, and well above the rates recorded in 1919 (0.5), and 1920 (1.2).
Treatment Nine cases were removed to hospital, 2 of which terminated fatally. Four
cases were referred to the District Nurses for treatment in the patients. homes.
Whooping Cough.—Although not a notified disease the Department receives information
which gives a fair idea of the prevalence of the disease. Last year 613 cases were known to
have occurred, a large increase above the totals recorded in 1919 (169), and 1920 (357). The
annual average for the quinquennium 1909-13 was 546, and that for 1914-18, 160. Reference
to Table V., Appendix, will show that last year.s total has been exceeded on three occasions
only since 1911, viz., in 1911 (632 cases), 1913 (644), and 1918 (691).
Ward Distribution.—The appended statement shows that the disease was spread fairly.
generally throughout the Borough, two Wards—Harrow Road and Church—furnishing
rather more than half the reported cases. It has to be observed, however, that those two
Wards send the largest proportions of children to the Public Elementary Schools whence the
information of cases is chiefly derived.

Whooping Cough

Queen.s ParkHarrow RoadMaida ValeWest-bourneChurchLancaster GateHyde Part
WestEast
1914.189012253671225829
191934618124812210
19207111519507521211
1921862005386115231139

Fatality, Mortality.—There were 21 deaths from this disease, an increase of 7 above the
total for 1920 (14), and of 20 above that for 1919 (1). The annual averages for the two
preceding quinquennia were—1909-13, 35; 1914-18, 30; so that last year.s total was well
below the averages for both periods.
The fatality of the disease was 3.4 per cent. of the known cases as compared with 3.9 in
1920, and 0 6 in 1919.
Treatment.—Fourteen (14) of the cases were admitted to institutions, most of them to the
Infirmary, 3 of the cases (42.8 per cent.) terminating fatally.
Chicken-pox.—The cases reported during the year numbered 253, as compared with 567
in 1920, and 261 in 1919. The annual average for 1909-13, was 490; and that for 1914-18, 572.
Mumps,—During the year 494 cases were reported, a notable increase above the totals for
1919 (150), and 1920 (154). During 1909-13 the cases averaged 251 each year, and during
1914-18, 295.
Ringworm.—During 1919 and 1920 the reported cases of this disease showed increases
in comparison with those reported during the war period. Apparently the disease is becoming
more nearly normal in its prevalence, only 108 cases being reported last year, as compared
with 204 in 1920, and 189 in 1919. The annual average for 1909-13 was 172, and that for
1914-18, 140.