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On the statement of the Society that there was evidence of improved conditions
and that some attempt at cleansing was being made the case was adjourned for
one month to see whether such improvement was maintained.
At the adjourned hearing the Magistrate was satisfied that the conditions were
then satisfactory and permitted the parents to receive the children back from the
Infirmary.
The mother was bound over for six months and the father acquitted.
Further complaints during the present year (1923) were necessary in respect
of this family and proceedings resulted in both parents being imprisoned and the
children removed to a residential institution.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Few comments are necessary with reference to the incidence of infectious
disease during the year 1922.
Diphtheria was prevalent to the extent of 40 cases as compared with 33 in 1921.
The number of Scarlet Fever cases was 32 compared with 89 in 1921. Erysipelas
showed a decrease from six to four. No case of Measles was brought to my notice,
measles and rubella not being notifiable diseases. Two cases only of Chicken-pox
were notified and one of Ophthalmia Neonatorum. The percentage of cases removed
to hospital for treatment continues satisfactory, viz. : 94 8.
During 1922 anxiety was caused on account of the cases of Small-pox reported
at different times in various neighbourhoods. In several instances of illness
where the medical practitioners suspected Small-pox the patients were personally
visited and examined by your Medical Officer of Health who found them to be
suffering from other ailments which were perhaps difficult of diagnosis in their
early stages of development. As is not unusual, however, numerous contacts with
cases occurring outside the City were reported. These were visited and kept under
observation and where necessary, vaccination advised. No cases of Small-pox
occurred within the City.
In each instance of notified disease a detailed examination is made of the
sanitary condition of the premises where the case occurred and a summary of
defects found by the District Inspector is given on page 69.
NOTIFICATION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES.—In the following tables
will be found particulars of certificates relating to cases of infectious disease,
forwarded to the Medical Officer of Health under Sections 55 and 56 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, and information as to the removal of patients to
hospitals, infirmaries, &c.