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47
As regards the source of infection, in three instances it was found
that the patient had clearly been infected abroad, and in another case
the infection occurred out of the Borough. In one case the patient was
a member of the staff of the North-Western Fever Hospital, and was
presumably infected in hospital. Shell fish was presumably the cause
of infection in two cases, both patients having partaken of oysters just
previous to illness. In the remaining two instances the source of infection
could not be traced.
Puerperal Fever.
Three cases were notified, all of which proved fatal, as compared
with 6 cases and 3 deaths in 1911.
The cases occurred in the following Wards, two in No. 2 (Belsize)
Ward, and one in No. 5 (West End) Ward.
The hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board are now available
for the reception of a limited number of Puerperal Fever cases, which,
however, must be recommended for admission by the Medical Officer of
Health. This arrangement was sanctioned by the Local Government
Board on 20th August, 1912. In none of the three cases was it found
necessary to take advantage of these facilities. Two patients were
removed to institutions and one was nursed at home.
Erysipelas.
Forty-four cases were notified, and 1 death occurred, as compared
with 49 cases and 2 deaths in 1911.
The attack-rate per 1000 of the population was 0.51.
Of the cases notified, 13, or 29 per cent., were removed to the
Hampstead Workhouse Infirmary.
The Metropolitan Asylums Board do not provide hospital accommodation
for cases of erysipelas, and patients suffering from this disease
are unable to obtain hospital treatment except in Poor Law Infirmaries.
Polio-Myelitis.
This disease, which is popularly known as "Infantile Paralysis,"
was, by an order of the London County Council, made permanently
notifiable in the County of London from March 13th, 1912. There is