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INFECTIVE DISEASES
The number of deaths from notifiable infectious diseases was 120.
This included 68 from all forms of tuberculosis and 48 from the
notifiable forms of pneumonia. There was one death from meningococcal
infection, and two other deaths were subsequently attributed
to this condition after post-mortem examination. One death was
due to erysipelas.
From all notifiable infective diseases the death-rate was 0.36 per
1,000
Table IV shows the number of cases of the notifiable diseases
reported, arranged in age groups, and Table V shows the same figures
arranged in the sub-district in which they occurred.
Smallpox
No case occurred in the Borough during the year.
Notification is frequently received from Port and Local Authorities
of persons coming into the Borough who may have been in contact
with Smallpox. Observation for the necessary period is kept on
these persons by members of the Public Health Department.
Diphtheria
There were no confirmed cases.
Scarlet Fever
Three hundred and forty-five cases of scarlet fever were notified,
compared with 336 in 1953, and 563 in 1952. The diagnosis was not
confirmed in 7 cases. No deaths occurred.
On one of the new estates in Wandsworth a number of scarlet
fever cases arose. The cases were carefully investigated and it was
thought that the probable cause was the large number of children
from many parts of London coming together on the new Estate.
The children on the Estates naturally play together and during these
play periods, there are probably opportunities for spread of infection.
The same, of course, applies to school pupils where new schools are
opened on the estate containing children from widely dispersed parts
of the Metropolitan area. If a child or children harbouring one
serological type of haemolytic streptococcus should come into
contact with other children who have previously not had experience
of that particular type, it is possible that a number of cases might
occur.
Whooping Cough
Four hundred and thirty-one cases were notified during the year.
There were no deaths.
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