London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
London County Council 1924
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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by each of the school doctors. The following table shows the number of cases reported:—
| Entrants. | 8-year old. | 12-year old. | Re-inspection | Specials. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examined | 37,469 | 52,538 | 25,090 | 101,570 | 41,200 |
| Diagnosed as suffering from or having been affected by congenital syphilis | 3 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 23 |
| Suspected but not definitely diagnosed as suffering from or having been affected by congenital syphilis | 10 | 28 | 22 | 17 | 22 |
| Suffering from acquired syphilis | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 13 | 38 | 25 | 24 | 45 |
| Children (included in above) attending or having attended a V.D. treatment centre | 5 | 18 | 6 | 9 | 14 |
| Children referred to V.D. treatment centre | 2 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
The table refers only to children inspected in connection with elementary
schools. Any comparison with other areas should take into account the fact that
in London there is a very complete system of special schools and that the proportion
of children in special schools suffering from the effect of congenital syphilis is much
higher than that in the elementary schools.
Enquiries were made in special schools also and the following numbers of additional children were found (January—July, 1924):—
| M.D. | P.D. | Blind and Myope. | Deaf. | Out of school cases and open-air schools. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examined | 5,053 | 6,197 | About 650 | About 250 | _ | — |
| Definite C.S. | 20 | 8 | 32 | 9 | 3 | 72 |
| Suspected C.S. | 15 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 28 |
| Total | 35 | 11 | 33 | 15 | 6 | 100 |
In order that some criterion should be established whereby it could be deduced
what proportion of children "suspected" to be suffering from congenital syphilis
were in fact, the victims of the disease, a special arrangement was made with the
London Hospital for a specialist report upon all such children as were not already
under treatment. I am indebted to the Secretary and to Dr. Miller, who furnished
the specialist report for their invaluable assistance in this respect. Of 27 suspected
cases in the eastern division, referred under this arrangement, the diagnosis was
confirmed in 9 instances and in 9 others it was stated that there was a probability
that the conditions noted were due to the disease, in 2 cases no conclusion could
be arrived at and in 7 the result was definitely negative.
No case of acquired syphilis in a school child was reported during the year.
In regard to treatment it is to be noted that many of the cases were attending
special departments of general hospitals or special hospitals for ophthalmic or
aural conditions and there getting treatment for the disease. There is in London
not the least difficulty in obtaining satisfactory treatment for the condition nor is
there the slightest evidence that any child really needing treatment is not obtaining
it.
An analysis of the symptoms recorded was made in respect to the 245 cases
reported with the following results (many children presenting two or more symptoms):—