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36
In 1910, which was a year in which few cases might have been expected to
cccur, 21 cases were notified, almost twice as many as in 1912.
Of the cases, few originated in St. Marylebone, or in London even, the majority
coming from outside.
Three of the cases were believed to have been infected by contaminated shell fish.
In one instance—that of a nurse who took the disease from a patient whom she
had been nursing, and who had died of the disease—the infection was the result of
direct contact. In hospitals, the risk of infection in this way is considerable, though
it is usually held that if proper precautions are taken, and care and cleanliness are
exercised, especially in connection with the discharges of the patient, no nurse need
be infected.
The number of deaths was 5, giving a mortality rate of 45.4 per cent. This is
a high rate for the Borough, and compares most unfavourably with that of 1911,
when it was 16.6.
The distribution of the cases in various districts was as follows :—All Souls, 2;
St. Mary, 1; and Christ Church, 2. In St. John no cases were notified as having
occurred.
Examination of the premises resulted in tin discovery of nuisances (dirty
premises, etc.) in 4, and no defects in drainage were discovered.
After the attention of the persons responsible had been directed to the conditions
found, the cause of complaint was removed.
The chart inset at the beginning shows the number of cases notified in each
week and gives a comparison of the numbers with the average for the preceding ten
years.
Cerebro-Spinal Fever.
Only one person—a child—was notified as suffering from this disease. Isolation
and treatment were carried out in hospital, but the patient died.
Erysipelas.
The total number of cases notified was 84, and there were 3 deaths. As usual,
most of the notifications came from the Workhouse Infirmary and General Hospitals,
and 37 of the patients were treated in one or other of these institutions.
Puerperal Fever.
Of this disease 5 cases were notified during the year and in 2 death certificates
puerperal fever was set down as the cause of death. Though much rarer now than
formerly, this disease is still exceedingly fatal, and to find almost half the number of
women infected dying as a result is not uncommon. Visits are paid to all notified
cases by the women inspectors and disinfection of the premises carried out.