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39
Scarlet Fever.
The notifications of this disease numbered 258. That there is a liability for
scarlet fever to show epidemic tendencies at intervals of five years, more or less,
is well known.
The highest number of cases reported in any one week it may be noted was 13.
The total deaths from scarlet fever numbered 3, and the number of deaths
per cent. of the cases was 1.2.
The districts to suffer most from this disease were Christ Church and St.
Mary. In the former there were 143 cases and in the latter 46. In all Souls there
were 35 and in St. John 34.
As usual, the majority of the patients were children of school age, the age
group, 5—15, giving over one-half (158) of the total. Of the remainder 69 were
aged between 1 and 5 years, and 42 over 15 years of age.
Though it seemed probable that many of the children notified acquired their
infection in school, it was only in 15 instances that a definite connection could be
made out.
Defects in sanitation to the number of 19 were discovered. All these were
want of cleanliness, etc. The nuisances were remedied after the service of notice
in each case.
Enteric Fever and Paratyphoid Fever.
The notifications of Enteric Fever numbered 9. There were 3 deaths. Of
Paratyphoid Fever there were 3 cases. All the patients recovered. In none of
the cases was any information obtainable indicating that the source of infection
arose within the Borough.
Cerebro-Spinal Fever.
Five cases of this disease were notified during the year.
Encephalitis Lethargica.
There were no cases of this disease notified.
Polio-Encephalitis.
No cases of this disease were notified.
Polio-Myelitis.
There was 1 case of this disease notified during the year.
Erysipelas.
The notifications of erysipelas numbered 55, and there were no deaths. Most
of the cases were notified from the St. Charles Hospital and the General Hospitals,
and 25 patients were treated in one or other of these institutions.
Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia.
The number of cases of Puerperal Fever notified, viz., 11, was above the
average of the last few years. Three of the patients died. Particulars of these
cases are given under the heading Maternal Mortality.
In each case a visit was paid by one of the Health Visitors and assistance and
advice as was suitable and possible offered.