London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
City of Westminster 1927
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]
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Ophthalmia neonatorum has been notifiable since 1011. The percentage of mild (non-purulent) and notified (purulent) cases in relation to births from the year 1921 is as follows:— Table XI.
| Cases (notified). | Rate per 100 births for both classcs of cases. | |
|---|---|---|
With regard to the incidence of venereal disease the following table showing the death-rates of infants per 1,000 births, certified to have died from syphilis, is reproduced with the inclusion of the year 1927.
There are a number of cases in which inflammation develops in
the eyes of recently born infants, and if the discharge remains watery
in nature and pus does not form the condition need not be classified as
ophthalmia. The infection, nevertheless, may be gonococcal in origin.
Those are necessarily mild cases, but it is important that they should
be recognised and treated at an early stage, because if neglected genuine
purulent ophthalmia might ensue.
Fourteen cases were notified during the year, 5 of those being
treated in hospital. There were also 13 instances of watery discharge
from the eyes which were brought to the notice of the health visitors.
All cases of ophthalmia neonatorum are visited as soon as possible after
notification in order to see that adequate treatment is being provided.
Treatment by the district nurses was carried out in 8 cases, 162 visits
being paid.
Dental Treatment.—The Council's scheme provides for the treatment of
cases both under the Maternity and Child Welfare and Tuberculosis
Schemes. Figures relating to the latter will be found in the Tuberculosis
Section of the Report. Expectant and nursing mothers, and children under
five years of age, are eligible for treatment.