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Public Health Department,
Poplar Town Hall, Bow Road, E.3.
4th June, 1943.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Poplar.
Madam, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In accordance with the Ministry of Health
Circular 8773 (England) this Report for the year 1942 is, like those
for the years 1939-1941, an abridged Interim Report. Summaries of the
principal vital and other statistics are included.
Population. For reasons of notional security the estimate of the
population is not to be published; therefore rates which are calculated
on that estimate are not given either Instead, the average rates for
the five years 1937-1941 are given in parentheses with comments as to
the comparability of the appropriate rates for 1942.
At will be seen that the Birth Rate and the Death Rate
are both above average, as also is the death rate from Tuberculosis,,
Infant Mortality. The rate of 34 is the lowest since 1931 when the
abnormally low figure of 31 was recorded.
Infectious Disease. Generally, infectious disease was less prevalent
than in 1941, a very satisfactory feature being the extremely low
attack rate of Diphtheria. On the other hand, the Scarlet Fever attack
rate was nearly trebled but, even so, was below the figures for pre-war
years. Measles was very prevalent throughout England and Wales from
October onwards and reached its "peak" in February, 1943.
Typhus Fever. A number of the staff who had volunteered for work in
connection with the scheme for disinfestation of contacts of Typhus Fever
were inoculated at the London Hospital.
Clinics. Additional clinics have been opened during the year and are
referred to in the appropriate sections of the Roport.
Vaccination. Consequent upon the resignation of Dr. H, J. O'Brien
and the relative shortage of medical men available in Poplar, a
re-arrangement of vaccination Districts and re-grouping of Public
Vaccinators was approved by the Ministry of Health as a war-time
measure. The Borough was divided into two parts with the Limehouse
Cut forming the boundary - Dr. MacRae and Dr. cotter serving the
northern and southern portions respectively and each acting as
Deputy for the other.
I regret to have to record the recent death of Dr, Cotter
who had been Public Vaccinator in association with the late Dr. O 'Brien
for many years.
Staff. One member of the Disinfecting Staff was discharged from the
Army on medical grounds and resumed duty in the Department.
Once again I have to thank the members of the Council for
their continued support during the year.
I am, Madam, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
W. ALLAM YOUNG ,
Medical Officer of Health.