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46
The number of cases per thousand of the population was 2.5.
Throughout the whole year, with the exception of a small group of 32 cases in
one of the hospitals in the Borough, there was nothing resembling an outbreak in any
one locality. The cases, indeed, were more or less evenly distributed, and only in a
few instances was it possible to determine accurately the source of infection. In
31 cases the source appeared to be a member of the family previously infected ; and
in 11 cases infection was counted to have been acquired in school.
The number of swabs from doubtful cases submitted for bacteriological
examination was 1,306. A positive result was returned in 164 instances.
Of the registration districts, that contributing the largest number of cases,
naturally, since in respect of child population it is the largest, was Christ Church,
with 91. In All Souls the number was 69, in St. Mary, 72, and in St. John, 36.
As usual the age groups 1-5 and 5-15 were those most affected, 88 of the cases
falling into the former and 119 into the latter group.
One application for a free supply of antitoxin under the Diphtheria Antitoxin
(London) Order, 1910, was received.
The nuisances detected during the course of investigating the notified cases
were: Dirty Premises, etc., 51. These were all remedied after service of notices.
Scarlet Fever.
In many parts of London this disease was markedly epidemic and it is not
surprising, therefore, that the figure for 1922 was so high as 339. In having such a
prevalence St. Marylebone did not differ from other Boroughs in the Metropolis,
many of which were more seriously involved in the epidemic. It is gratifying to
note, however, that even with so high a figure the disease was much less prevalent
than in 1921, when the notifications numbered 478.
The highest number of cases reported in any one week was 14.
The total deaths from scarlet fever numbered 4, and the number of deaths per
cent. of the cases was 1.1.
The districts to suffer most from this disease were Christ Church and St. John.
In the former there were 126 cases and in the latter 83. In All Souls there were
71 and in St. Mary 59.
As usual the majority of patients were children of school age, the age group,
5-15, giving nearly two-thirds (201) of the total. Of the remainder 86 were aged
between 1 and 5 years.
The source of infection was believed to be a previous case in the same family
in 45 cases. In one hospital there was a small outbreak of 10 cases.
Though it seemed probable that many of the children notified acquired their
infection in school, it was only in 30 instances that a definite connection could be
made out.
Defects in sanitation to the number of 46 were discovered in the premises visited.
All these were want of cleanliness, etc. The nuisances were remedied after the
service of notices in each case.