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Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
51
The rate in Clapham sub-district shows a decided increase
compared with 1904 and 1903, but is slightly under that for 1902.
The disease was most prevalent in Clapham during the months of
February, March, May, July, August, October and November.
A considerable number of cases in February and March were due
to a slight outbreak in connection with the Parochial School, Clapham,
caused by unrecognised cases attending school while in an infective
condition.
In this outbreak the first case was notified on the 25th February,
followed by another on the 27th and two on the 28th.
14 cases were notified during the month of March, four during
April and seven in May.
It was not until March 20th that the primary case was discovered
as it was only notified on that date.
This case was infected by a brother, an adult of 22, who had
during the first week of February visited a house in Wandsworth
where there was a case of Scarlet Fever, and the first symptons
occurred on the 10th February. This patient's sister attended school
up till the 17th March, and was in close contact with her brother until
she sickened on the 17th March.
As far as the school was concerned the outbreak was at an end
about the 27th March, and although several cases occurred in April
and May these were nearly all subsequent cases and not due to
infection at school.
The whole of the school was disinfected on the 7th April.
During March and April the school was frequently visited and the
names and addresses of the absentees taken and their homes visited.
In this way several cases were discovered at an early period of the
illness.
The increase in July and August was also due to unrecognised
cases and also to the fact that in one household six and in another
five cases occurred.