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Diphtheria Immunisation.—This work is carried out by the
Assistant Medical Officer of Health once a week at the Barton House
Child Welfare Centre. In every instance the consent of the parent
or guardian is obtained in writing before the treatment is commenced.
During the year 108 children completed the course of immunising
injections and 110 children were re-Schick tested at intervals of
three to four months after the protective inoculations. Of these,
95 were found to be definitely negative and 8 to be still slightly
positive. These positive reactors were given a further injection
to ensure adequate protection.
The number of children protected is comparatively small but
dissemination of information on the subject of diphtheria protection
was continued by means of leaflets drawing parents' attention to
the danger of the disease and to the facilities for immunisation
available at the Council's Welfare Centres.
Diphtheria Anti-toxin.—A supply of Anti-toxon is kept in the
Public Health Department for sale to local medical practitioners
in urgent cases.
During the year 3 tubes of 8,000 units were issued to medical
practitioners.
Enteric Fever.—One case of Paratyphoid Fever was notified
and confirmed bacteriologically. Investigation was made to trace
the source of infection but without success. There were 2 cases of
Enteric Fever the previous year.
Puerperal Fever.—10 cases were notified as compared with
5 notifications the previous year. All cases received hospital
treatment and there were no fatalities.
Puerperal Pyrexia.—18 cases were notified as compared with
8 the previous year. 15 cases received hospital treatment and all
made successful recoveries.
Pneumonia and Influenzal Pneumonia.—Acute Primary
Pneumonia and Influenzal Pneumonia are notifiable diseases under
the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) London Regulations, 1927.
During 1937, 36 notifications were received of Acute Primary
Pneumonia (19 the previous year), and 15 notifications of Influenzal
Pneumonia as compared with 9 the previous year.
There were 55 deaths from Pneumonia (all forms) during 1937
as compared with 30 in 1936.
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