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15
PUERPERAL FEVER OR PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
In the course of research work into the method of infection in women suffering from
Puerperal Fever or Puerperal Pyrexia, evidence has been obtained which suggests that
the contamination does not arise from the hands, but probably from the throat of the attendant,
as an air-borne infection. In order that this theory may be further investigated the
Metropolitan Asylums Board have asked medical practitioners to swab the throat of the
nurse or midwife in attendance, and to forward the swab direct to the Board's Laboratory,
for examination.
The Board invited the assistance of your Medical Officer of Health in the direction of
acquainting City medical practitioners with the proposal, and the consequent co-operation
which I suggested was readily accepted by my professional City colleagues.
TYPHOID FEVER AND SHELLFISH.
Only one instance of suggested association of Typhoid Fever with shellfish was brought
to my notice in 1929.
A resident in one of the Metropolitan Boroughs was reported as suffering from Typhoid
Fever, and upon inquiry it was ascertained that shortly before being taken ill, he-had consumed
winkles purchased from a wholesale dealer in Billingsgate Market.
It was not possible to identify the source of the suspected winkles as, upon arrival at
the wholesaler's premises, all supplies were mixed. It was, however, ascertained that there
was one unusual source of supply during the period affected, and the attention of the Fishmongers'
Company was particularly directed to this point, when the matter was reported
to them. The systematic examination of winkles on the same lines as obtains in the case
of oysters was suggested, and the matter is now receiving the attention of the Fishmongers'
Company.
DISTRIBUTION OF DIPHTHERIA ANTI-TOXIN AND ANTI-INFLUENZA VACCINE.
Although City medical practitioners are well aware of the facilities available, no applications
for supplies of diphtheria anti-toxin or anti-influenza vaccine were received during 1929.
Examination for Pathogenic Bacteria.—During the year the following specimens were so
dealt with. It will be seen that positive results were obtained in about 1 per cent. of these
cases. Result.
Specimen. Disease suspected. Positive. Negative.
30 Swabbings from throats Diphtheria 4 26
21 Sputa Tuberculosis 4 17
Of the 30 swabbings from throats, six were received from the Central Foundation School for
Girls, Spital Square, E.C.
TEMPORARY ISOLATION ACCOMMODATION, 29, MIDDLESEX STREET.
Suitable accommodation for isolation and observation of Small-pox Contacts is provided
by the Corporation at 29, Middlesex Street, but it has not been found necessary to use the
accommodation during the year.
TUBERCULOSIS.
The Dispensary was open for the diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis through the
year at the following hours:—
Tuesdays 12.30 p.m.—2.30 p.m.
2.30 p.m.—4.30 p.m. For the Artificial Pneumothorax Clinic.
Wednesdays 5.0 p.m.—7.0 p.m.
Thursdays 11.30 a.m. (New cases only.)
Fridays 2.0 p.m.—3.0 p.m.
In all, 278 sessions have been held, and, in addition, the Tuberculosis Officer has visited
cases at their homes when necessary.
New Patients.—The number of new patients examined was 346, as compared with
403 last vear.