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obtained in the dissemination of infection than we at present possess.
By the use of antitoxin passive immunity can be conferred on other
members of a family for 3 to 5 weeks during an outbreak. It is now
possible to ascertain whether a person is susceptible or not to diphtheria
by the Schick method. Inmates of institutions, schools, hospital and
other staffs can be tested, and those who are susceptible can be
immunised, so that such institutions can be protected from outbreak of
diphtheria.
Typhoid fever.—The cases of this disease were 10 ; 3 being cases of
Paratyphoid B. Four of the persons affected were infected elsewhere
before coming to Westminster. One person was not resident in the
City, being an inmate of an asylum, and died there. This was the only
death. The services of the Council's Bacteriologist were utilised to report
on the blood of seven persons ill from suspected Typhoid.
Influenza.—This complaint was certified as the cause of 30 deaths—
14 males and 16 females, all adults, 13 being over 65 years of age.
Cerebro-spinal Fever.—Two cases occurred, one of whom died.
Encephalitis Lethargica.—Three cases occurred, one male (age 63) and
two females. The females recovered without any subsequent bad results;
the man died.
Whooping Cough.—133 cases came to the knowledge of the Department,
9 deaths occurred, 8 of children under 2 years of age, 1 between 2
and 5.
Measles.—Following on the heavy epidemics of the two previous years
there was a great decline in this disease in 1921. Notices were received
from schools of 37 children suffering or suspected to be suffering from
Measles. Of these, 12 were found to be ill from other complaints. The
total number of known cases was only 26, one infant was removed to hospital.
No deaths occurred. A conference of the County Council and
Local Authorities was held to discuss improvements in the method of
dealing with measles and as to further co-ordinating with the Borough
medical officers. A scheme has been adopted by the Education Authority
with the intention of expediting notification by which when a school is
specially affected with measles, a nurse will be detailed to visit the school
daily to examine the children.
There were also 9 cases of Rubella (rose rash or German measles),
mostly in children.
(4573)q • c