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29
Scarlet Fever.—351 cases of this disease occurred in 1933, an
increase of 143 on the figures of 1932. There were 4 deaths. The case
rate of this disease per 1,000 of the population was 2.8 for the City, and
for England and Wales 3.21. The death-rate for London was 0.02 per
1,000, for England and Wales 0.02, and for Westminster 0.03. Of the
total cases in Westminster 93.2 per cent. were removed to hospital.
The wards showing an increase were St. John, Victoria and Knightsbridgo.
Four cases of scarlet fever contracted diphtheria whilst in hospital.
There was, as in other districts, a considerably higher incidence of
this disease, and some evidence to show an increase in virulence. It is
possible that the end of the cycle of scarlet fever as a mild infection is
approaching. In the nineties of last century it was regarded as a
serious disease.
Diphtheria. 142 cases of this disease occurred, showing an increase
of 62 on the figures of 1932. The largest number of cases occurred between
the ages of 5-15 and 20-35. The case rate of this disease for Westminster
was 1.1 per 1,000 living, and for England and Wales 1.18. There was
1 death. The death-rate for England and Wales was 0.06, for London
0.08, and for Westminster. 0.007. Six cases of diphtheria contracted
scarlet fever whilst in hospital.
No cases occurred among children who had been immunised. The
total immunisations carried out since 1926, when it was begun, now
amounts to 1380.
Report on Schick Testing and Immunisation Treatment against
Diphtheria in Westminster, 1933.
This treatment was continued throughout the year at the Council's
Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, and at the Westminster Health
Society's Centre. One clinic is held at each Centre weekly.
121 new cases were dealt with during the year, as compared with 140
in the previous year. During the long period of good health and exceptionally
fine weather which marked the summer of 1933, attendances were
very sparse. At the end of the year, when epidemic disease became more
prevalent, there was a marked increase of applicants for treatment, but
too late to bring the year's attendances up to the average.