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INFECTIOUS DISEASES & TUBERCULOSIS.
General.
Confirmed diagnosis of Infectious Diseases generally
showed a slight decrease from both 1944 and 1945 figures;
in particular, Scabies dropped from 495 in 1945 to 405, and
Measles from 965 to 775. The only substantial increase was
in Whooping Cough, which totalled 232 cases, against only
57 in 1945.
Cerebro-spinal Meningitis cases number 8; there was
none in 1945. Dysentery decreased from 29 to 8. The following
data has boon compiled from these cases:-
Cerebro-spinal Meningitis.
4 cases under 3 years of age, 2 in recent contact with
military personnel, from whom infection may have been contracted.
2 recently suffering from severe Influenza.
4 cases 25/35 of age, 1, probably 2, in recent contact
with Military personnel, from whom infection may have been
contracted. 2 recently suffering from severe Influenza.
2 fatal cases occurred in the 25/35 age group. One was
in recent contact with her husband, a soldier, just returned
from India. The other had recently suffered from severe
Influenza.
Dysentery.
6 cases under 3 years of age, 1 in recent contact with
Military personnel. 1 contracted disease immediately following
Cerebro-spinal Meningitis.
1 case 32 years of age. Contracted disease previously
in Africa, whilst on military service; recently demobilised.
1 case 63 years of age. Fatal case, no relative observations.
Malaria.
7 cases of Malaria were diagnosed early in the year
amongst recently returned soldiers; there had been no Malaria
cases in 1945.
Zymotic Enteritis.
There was a slight decrease in Zymotic Enteritis cases
from 15 in 1945 to 10 in 1946, during the three summer months
for which this disease is at present notifiable in Southwark.
According to available information, however, it appears that
the incidence of this disease is maintained more or less
regularly throughout the whole year. On the grounds that
official notification enables the Health Visitors to visit
cases and obtain important information, or give useful assistance,
in connection with child welfare home conditions, which
might not otherwise be possible consideration is being given
to the proposal that infantile diarrhoea, which is felt to
bo a more suitable description than Zymotic Enteritis, should
be notifiable throughout the whole year.
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