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Measles.—Epidemics of Measles occur every two years in
London, and as the last epidemic took place in 1934, the increase
in prevalence of this disease which had been expected occurred
during the first six months of the year.
The scheme for the control of Measles, by arrangement with
the London County Council, was continued during the epidemic
period. The scheme of control depends for its success in the close
co-operation between the school organisation and the local public
health staff in securing the earliest possible information of cases,
educating the parents to realise that Measles is a dangerous disease
by means of advice leaflets, and by prompt removal to hospital of
those children suffering from complications and those living in
overcrowded and insanitary conditions.
Measles is not at present notifiable in this Borough, and
information as to cases depends on reports from the schools,
parents, health visitors and sanitary inspectors.
The Health Visitors follow up Measles cases in order to ascertain
if adequate medical and nursing provision is made and to arrange
for nursing assistance or removal to hospital, in accordance with
the scheme providing additional beds for cases of Measles in
isolation hospitals.
The number of cases of Measles reported to the Public Health
Department during the year was 403, of whom 111 were removed
to hospitals for treatment. There were two deaths from this
disease as compared with no deaths for the year 1935 and 4 deaths
during the epidemic of the year 1934.
Whooping Cough.—This disease is not notifiable in the
Borough and information as to its prevalence comes to the knowledge
of the Department through the same sources as Measles.
Visiting of cases is carried out by the Health Visitors. During the
year 75 cases of the disease were noted and 20 cases were removed
from their homes for hospital treatment. There were two deaths
from this disease in 1936.
Bacteriological Examinations.—Specimens taken by medical
practitioners are forwarded to the laboratories of the Royal Institute
of Public Health and Camberwell Research Laboratories.
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