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The cleanliness of the homes was reported to be satisfactory in 22 cases, but
only fairly so in 18, and in one case was unsatisfactory. The economic conditions
of the families concerned was found to be good in 9 cases, fair in 12, poor in 15,
and very poor in 4; only 4 cases were nursed in a separate room.
In the majority of cases the disease was not ascribed to any special cause,
but the following was given in 18 instances:—
Following chronic bronchitis 4
Following cold 9
Following measles 3
Exposure to bad weather (commercial motor driver) 1
After pleurisy 1
Influenza.
There were 11 deaths from influenza in comparison with 1 in 1923, 21 in
1922, 8 in 1921, 11 in 1920, 46 in 1919, and 138 in 1918.
Anthrax.
No case of anthrax was notified in the Borough during the year.
Six cases were notified in London.
In August information was received of a fatal case of anthrax, caused by the
use of an infected shaving brush; the patient resided in an adjoining area. On
enquiry it was found that he purchased a shaving brush (one of a large consignment)
in the Borough of Holborn. He cut himself whilst shaving and the evidence
given at the Coroner's inquest pointed to infection from the shaving brush. It
was ascertained that the brush was from a consignment of twelve to thirteen
thousand brushes of mixed types supplied to a dealer in this Borough who sold
by wholesale and retail. Efforts were made to trace the source of the brushes
and also the destination of those which had been sold. It was impracticable to
secure reliable evidence as to the exact source of production of this mixed
consignment, but most of the brushes were made up in the United States of
America. A very large proportion of the brushes was recovered from various
retailers both in London and the Provinces and, with a view to preventing the
possible spread of the disease, the Council wisely decided to destroy the 6,279
brushes which were recovered.
Chicken-pox.
During the year information of 6 cases was received from school teachers and
others.
Mumps.
Information was received from school teachers of 46 cases of mumps.
Bacteriological Work.