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The age distribution of the disease (see Table III., page 91) was similar to
that for most years, the majority of the cases and all the deaths taking place in
the age groups 1—5 and 5—15.
The inspection of the premises in which cases occurred resulted in the
discovery by the inspectors of a certain number of nuisances, including
Dirty premises, etc. 50
Defective drainage 22
The Diphtheria Antitoxin (London) Order, 1910.—Towards the
end of 1910, the Public Health Committee decided to take advantage
of the powers granted by this order of the Local Government Board,
and instructed the Medical Officer of Health to make arrangements for the
supply of diphtheria antitoxin free of charge, to the poorer inhabitants of the
district when required. The arrangements made were approved by the
committee and a letter was sent to each medical practitioner in the Borough
informing him that if application was made to the Medical Officer of Health an
order on a chemist for the free supply of antitoxin would be given, if such was
urgently required for the remedial or preventive treatment of an inhabitant of
St. Marylebone unable to pay for the serum. Messrs. Allen and Hanbury of
7, Vere Street, W., very kindly undertook to supply the antitoxin at any hour.
During the period intervening between the sending out of the letter and the
close of the year, no applications were received.
Scarlet Fever.
The number of cases of Scarlet Fever fell considerably below the number
notified in each of the two preceding years, the figures being:—1910, 207;
1909, 458; 1908, 409. The prevalence of the disease and the fatality was as
usual most marked in childhood. The number of deaths certified as from this
disease was 6 (2.9 per cent.) The chart inserted at the beginning of the report
shows the rise and fall of the disease week by week throughout the year.
As regards the source of infection, in 162 of the 207 cases, no definite clue
could be obtained. In the remaining 45, infection was supposed to have been
acquired from another member of the family in 26 instances; from a previous
case in the same house (tenement) in 1 instance; at school in 6; and from
another case in the neighbourhood in 6 instances. In 6 cases the source was
unclassifiable.
Visits and inquiries at the homes of the notified cases resulted in the
discovery of nuisances and defects in sanitation to the number of 78. In 23 of
these the condition discovered was defective drainage, while in 51 the nuisances
were want of cleanliness, etc. Notices calling for remedies were served in each
instance.