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23
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 44 cases of puerperal pyrexia were notified, 40 of which occurred within or
were removed to institutions.
In January, 1936, Mr. Douglas H. MacLeod, F.R.C.S., was appointed consultant for cases of
puerperal fever and puerperal pyrexia. No request for his assistance was made to the Council
during the year.
ERYSIPELAS.
Fifty-four cases were notified, 38 of which occurred within or were removed to hospitals.
Two deaths from the disease were recorded during the year.
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.
One case of this disease, somewhat similar in its nature to the last-mentioned, was notified,
and received hospital treatment.
ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS LETHARGICA.
No case of this disease was notified, but one death was recorded during the year.
CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER.
Seven cases of this disease were notified, and treated in hospital. There were no deaths from
this disease.
MALARIA.
Two cases of this disease were notified, one being treated in hospital.
ACUTE PRIMARY PNEUMONIA, ACUTE INFLUENZAL PNEUMONIA.
One hundred and ten cases of acute primary pneumonia were notified in 1938, as compared
with 116 in 1937. Of the 110 cases, 85 were nursed in institutions. Nineteen cases of acute
influenzal pneumonia were notified, as compared with 67 in 1937. Of the 19 cases, 7 were
nursed in institutions.
Fifty-eight cases of pneumonia of both kinds received nursing attention at home under the
auspices of the Council's scheme for district nursing, 1,933 visits being paid.
ANTHRAX.
No case of this disease was notified during the year.