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19
PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
This condition is defined as:—
"Any febrile condition (other than a condition which is required to be notified as
puerperal fever) occurring in a woman within 21 days after childbirth or miscarriage
in which a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or more, has been sustained during
a period of 24 hours or has recurred during that period."
The febrile condition referred to in the above definition may be due to any cause, and it
may be to some cause quite independent of the puerperal condition. It may, however, be
the precursor of the more serious condition known as puerperal fever, and it is with this in
view that the numerous conditions comprised under the term puerperal pyrexia are made
notifiable.
During the year 37 cases of puerperal pyrexia were notified, 31 of which occurred within
or were removed to institutions.
One case of puerperal pyrexia was nursed by the District Nurses at home, 31 visits
being paid.
During the year the Council retained the services of Mr. Aleck W. Bourne, F.R.C S.
(England), Obstetric Surgeon to Out-patients, St. Mary's Hospital, to act in a consultative
capacity, for cases of puerperal fever and puerperal pyrexia. One request for his assistance
was made to the Council during the year.
ERYSIPELAS.
Seventy-four (74) cases were notified, 38 of which occurred within or were removed to
hospitals.
ACUTE POLIO-MYELITIS.
One case of this disease, otherwise known as Infantile Paralysis, was notified and received
treatment in hospital. Owing to the serious after-effects, such as deformities, which result
from this disease much care is taken to keep in touch with all cases previously notified. Recent
experience tends to show that most of the cases notified by doctors receive all the necessary
remedial treatment. It is evident that the possibility of preventing the onset of serious
deformities is now realised by parents and doctors more than formerly.
ACUTE POLIO-ENCEPHALITIS.
No case of this disease, somewhat similar in its nature to the last mentioned, was
notified.
ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS LETHARGICA.
One case of this disease was notified and received treatment in hospital. Commonly
known as "sleepy sickness," the disease is found to be frequently the forerunner of progressive
mental and physical deterioration, occasionally signalised by disorders of conduct. For this
reason careful enquiry is made as to the after-history of all cases of this disease which are
brought to notice.
Four deaths were attributed to "encephalitis lethargica," 3 of persons between the ages
of 45 and 65 years, and 1 of a person over the age of 65 years.
CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER.
Three cases of this disease were notified in 1930. All were treated in hospital. Two of
the three cases proved fatal, as well as another case which had not been notified.
MALARIA.
One case of this disease was notified.