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46
Polio-Myelitis.
This was the only one of the several diseases affecting the nervous system (viz.,
Polio encephalitis, Encephalitis lethargica, etc.) now notifiable, in respect of which any
notifications were received during the year. The number notified was 2, both boys
(age 7 and li) and members of the same family. Both recovered.
Erysipelas.
The notifications of erysipelas numbered 68, and there were 2 deaths. Most of
the cases were notified from the St. Marylebone Infirmary and the General Hospitals
and 37 patients were treated in one or other of these institutions.
Puerperal Fever.
The number of cases of this disease notified, viz., 6, was just about the averageas
was also the number of deaths registered as due to it, viz., 2.
In each case a visit was paid by one of the women inspectors and the premises
were disinfected.
Measles and German Measles.
These conditions are not now notifiable. 641 cases were however reported,
159 voluntarily by doctors and parents and 482 by school-teachers.
The deaths numbered 8, as against 17 in 1919 and 11 in 1918. The course
adopted in relation to the cases was the same as in the previous year.
Practically every case was visited by the Health Visitors, particular attention being
given to such as occurred in tenement houses. Under an agreement entered into
between the Council and the Paddington and Marylebone Nursing Association, the
services of a Nurse were obtained in cases in which the attack was severe. The
nurses made 258 visits to 23 cases. The amount paid by the Council for services in
connection with measles and other cases in which nursing is considered necessary is
£60 per annum.
Hospital accommodation was found for 31 of the patients.
Classrooms in various schools were closed for short periods on account of the
occurrence of measles.
Whooping Cough.
Most of the information obtained with regard to this disease is derived from the
death returns, and during 1920 the number of deaths registered as due to whooping
cough was 12. In 1919 the number was 2.
The arrangements with regard to nursing and hospital isolation are similar to
those in the case of measles.
Glanders.
No case of glanders in the human being was notified during the year, and no
notices of outbreaks of the disease in stables in the Borough were received from the
London County Council. The Order making the notification of glanders compulsory
came into operation on 1st January, 1908, since when, viz., in November, 1908, only
1 case has been notified.
Anthrax.
No cases of this disease were notified, but on account of the occurrence from
time to time in various localities of cases traceable to infection from shaving brushes,
the Ministry of Health issued an order in council prohibiting the importation of
Japanese shaving brushes. As it was thought possible that there might be some of
these on the market, instructions were given to get into touch with hairdressers and
others selling such articles. This was done by means of a circular letter, and in a
few cases examinations were made. Though there were a few the origin of which
was doubtful, none were found to contain the organism of the disease.