View report page

21
In each instance careful search was made for contacts, and with the assistance
of the Bacteriologists of the London County Council all persons immediately in
contact were examined. Of the considerable number examined, 3 were found to be
positive, and though themselves apparently healthy, to be harbouring the organism
of the disease in the throat. All of these were given instructions with regard to
disinfection of the nose and throat, and were kept under observation until a negative
result was obtained.
In several cases definite association with soldiers was proved, and in these a
note of the facts was sent to the military authorities.
Polio-Encephalitis and Myelitis.
Of this disease one case only was notified.
Erysipelas.
Of this disease 85 cases were notified, mainly from the Workhouse Infirmary
and other institutions. Erysipelas was stated to be the cause of death in 2 cases.
Puerperal Fever.
The notifications received numbered 3, and there were no deaths. During the
year the ordinary routine of visitation and disinfection was practised.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
The total number of cases notified was 14, as against 25 in 1914. Visits
were paid to all cases by the women inspectors.
Measles.
The requirement with regard to notification in respect of this disease did not
come into operation until 1st January, 1916, and the information that 1,255 cases
had occurred was obtained from returns from school teachers and registrars.
The deaths from measles numbered 53 as against 3 in 1914.
As in previous years visits were paid to all houses in which measles was known
to exist and advice given with regard to the prevention of the spread of infection and
as to the necessity for taking care of the patient.
For several reasons, amongst them that the accommodation was required for
other purposes, the Metropolitan Asylums Board were unable to isolate cases of
measles so freely as in previous years, practically all that occurred therefore were
treated at home.