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19
PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
This condition is defined as s—
"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 32 cases of puerperal pyrexia were notified, 26 of which occurred within
or were removed to institutions.
Two cases of puerperal pyrexia were nursed by the District Nurses at home, 47 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. No requests for his assistance
were made to the Council during the year.
ERYSIPELAS.
Sixty-seven (67) cases were notified, 35 of which occurred within or were removed to
hospitals.
ACUTE POLIO-MYELITIS.
Two cases of this disease, otherwise known as Infantile Paralysis, were 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.
One case of this disease, somewhat similar in its nature to the last mentioned, was
notified, and received treatment in hospital.
ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS LETHARGICA.
No case of this disease was notified.
CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER.
Five cases of this disease were notified in 1931. All were treated in hospital. Two of
the five cases proved fatal, as well as another case which had not been notified.
MALARIA.
No case of this disease was notified.
ACUTE PRIMARY PNEUMONIA, ACUTE INFLUENZAL PNEUMONIA.
Two hundred and forty-three (243) cases of acute primary pneumonia were notified in
1931 as compared with 168 in 1930, 247 in 1929, 202 in 1928 and 183 in 1927. Of the 243
cases, 168 were nursed in institutions. Ninety-seven (97) cases of acute influenzal pneumonia
were notified as compared with 40 in 1930, 135 in 1929, 59 in 1928, and 107 in 1927. Of
the 97 cases, 46 were nursed in institutions,
Seventy-eight (78) cases of pneumonia of all kinds received nursing attention at home
under the auspices of the Council scheme for district nursing, 951 visits being paid.