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28
Scarlet Fever.
The number of cases notified was 329. In 1910 the number was 207, but this
was exceptionally low, the figures for the two preceding years being 1909, 458, and
1908, 409.
As a matter of fact, as the chart inserted at the beginning of the report shows,
the prevalence of the disease was distinctly below the average of the previous ten
years till the second week in September, when a sudden rise took place ; thence
onward till the end of the year, when the average was again almost reached, the
numbers varied tremendously.
In type the disease was distinctly mild, the number of deaths certified as due to
this cause being 7, the case mortality working out at 2.1 per cent.
Of those affected the majority were of school age, and though no one school was
specially involved, in the majority of instances the infection seems to have been
originally contracted in school.
Many cases occurred in blocks of dwellings, the infection spreading as a result of
the friendly relations existing between the occupants, adults and children, of the
various flats.
The actual source of infection in many cases was not definitely made out
though, as has been said, in a considerable number the school was suspected.
The supposed source in 38 instances was a previous case in the same family; in
9 a previous case in the same house, and in 16 another case in the same
neighbourhood. In 13 the source of infection could not be classified.
Defects in sanitation to the number of 99 were discovered. Of these 87 were
want of cleanliness, etc., and 12 defects in drainage. The nuisances were remedied
after the service of notice in each case.
Enteric Fever.
Though 1911 was a year in which many cases of typhoid (enteric) fever, might
reasonably have been expected to occur, the number notified (18) was less than in
1910 (21), which was distinctly a non-enteric year.
Most of the cases were, as usual, imported, infection having been contracted
abroad, in the country or at the seaside.
In 6 instances the infection was believed to have been obtained from cockles or
other shell fish consumed at one of the seaside resorts.
In some cases, though not in all, the shell fish had been collected on the sea shore
and eaten raw, or after partial cooking. The danger of such a proceeding is constantly
being impressed upon members of the public, but is regularly disregarded.
The chances of contracting the fever in London itself are comparatively remote,
and even those who determine to travel beyond the boundaries can, by exercising a