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33
Scarlet Fever.—211 cases of this disease occurred in 1932, a increase
of 15 on the figures of 1931. There were 2 deaths. The case rate of
this disease per 1,000 of the population was 1.6 for the City, and for
England and Wales 2.12. The death rate for London was 0.02 per
1,000 and that for England and Wales was 0.01. Of the total cases in
Westminster 96.5 per cent, were removed to hospital.
Diphtheria.—80 cases of this disease occurred, showing a decrease
of 60 on the figures of 1931. St. John's Ward show a marked decrease.
The largest number of cases occurred between the ages of 5.15 and
20.35. There were 3 deaths (2 males and 1 female), giving a rate of
37.5 per 1,000 cases. The case rate of this disease for Westminster was
0.63 per 1,000 living, and for England and Wales 1.08. The death rate
for Westminster was 0.02, England and Wales 0.06, and for London 0.07.
Report on Schick Testing and Immunisation Treatment against
Diphtheria in Westminster, 1932.
This treatment was continued throughout the year at the Council's
Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, and at the Westminster Health
Society's Centre in Marsham Street. One clinic was held at each Centre
weekly.
In the Report on the work in 1931, it was mentioned that an increasing
number of cases were being given protective injections without preliminary
testing. The number dealt with in this way has been greater during 1932.
This procedure leads to a saving of time and material, which is justifiable
because it has been found that the great majority of children under five
years of age give positive results when tested and therefore require treatment.
The method is also acceptable to the patients and their parents
as one attendance less is required.
140 new cases were dealt with in 1932 as compared with 161 in the
previous year. New cases attended the different Centres as follows:—.
Ebury Bridge Centre 54
Bessborough Street Centre 40
Marshall Street Centre 24
Westminster Health Society 22
140
The work entailed 78 tests and retests, 402 injections and 68 attendances
for reading of results, a total of 548 attendances.
As in other years, it was found that a considerable proportion (12 per
cent, in 1932) of those who presented themselves for treatment had never
been vaccinated against smallpox.