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49
MEASLES.
The deaths from Measles during the year numbered 83, as against
164 for the preceding year (1902).
The Wards most affected were the densely populated ones—St.
John's, All Saints, and St. Michael's. In the serious outbreaks of
Measles which have occurred in the Borough area during the last twenty
years these wards have always been most affected, both in regard to the
number of cases per 1,000 inhabitants, and to the case mortality. This
has been due to the birth-rate being larger, and the density of the population
being greater in those districts. Much attention has been paid
during the last three years to the education of our inhabitants in the
care and treatment of their children in an attack of Measles. Printed
instructions have been distributed throughout the district which we hope
have drawn the attention of parents to the necessity of early and proper
treatment of those affected.
Whilst this Annual Report was being prepared a serious outbreak
of both Measles and Whooping Cough was present in the Borough.
The plan of treatment adopted by the Authority has been—
(1) The confining as far as possible of the susceptible members
of the attacked family to the house.
(2) The giving of advice personally, and by literature, as to the
care to be taken of the patient.
(3) The disinfection of the premises.
(4) The closing of the Infant Department of Schools when
sary.
The following Poster and Handbill have been widely distributed :—
BOROUGH OP SOUTHWARK.
Public Health Department.
MEASLES.
Practical Hints on the Complaint, and the Precautions to be taken
to prevent it spreading.
Parents and others having the care of children must not regard
Measles as a trifling complaint in which very little attention is required.
Ignorance and carelessness in the treatment of the disease are responsible