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the disease. Most of the cases were notified from St. Charles' Hospital and the
general hospitals, and 29 patients were treated in such institutions. In 1937, 47
cases were notified.
PUERPERAL FEVER AND PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
The number of cases of puerperal fever and puerperal pyrexia notified was 3
and 18 respectively.
Most of the notifications received came from institutions where, of course,
the precautions taken would naturally result in the detection of any signs indicating
the occurrence of pyrexia (fever) in the early stages of the lying-in period. All other
cases, however, were visited by one of the health visitors and assistance and advice
as were suitable and possible offered. No application was made for the services of a
consultant or any other of the facilities which the Council is empowered to provide.
No death from puerperal sepsis was recorded.
MEASLES.
The total number of cases of measles reported by school teachers during the
twelve months was 663. There was one death.
On the 1st October, 1938, the County of London (Measles and Whooping Cough)
Regulations, 1938, brought into operation a limited form of compulsory notification,
no notification being required where to the knowledge of the medical practitioner
a case of measles or whooping cough, as the case may be, has occurred in the house
and has been notified within the two months immediately preceding the date on
which he first became aware of the disease in the case he is attending. During the
remainder of the year three notifications were received under the regulations.
The course adopted in relation to the reported cases was the same as in previous
years. Practically every case was visited by the health visitors, particular attention
being given to such as occurred in tenement houses. It was found necessary
to call upon the services of a nurse, under the agreement between the Council and
the Paddmgton and St. Marylebone District Nursing Association, in 38 cases.
WHOOPING COUGH.
Previously most of the information obtained with regard to this disease was
derived from notices received from school teachers, who reported 10 cases
during the year.
On the 1st October, 1938, however, whooping cough became compulsorily
notifiable in the Borough under conditions similar to those already noted in regard
to measles. In the last three months of the year, 17 cases of the disease were notified.
There was one death due to whooping cough in 1938, as against three in 1937.
GLANDERS, ANTHRAX AND FARCY.
No cases were notified during the year.
DYSENTERY.
During 1938, 16 cases of this disease were notified, mainly from hospitals.
Two deaths were recorded, but the majority of the cases were of a very mild type.
MALARIA.
Two cases of induced malaria were reported.