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18
cases of Scarlet Fever, a total of 109 as against 51 in 1942. There
were, however, fewer cases of Whooping Cough, 24 as against 63.
There were no deaths from Scarlet Fever or Measles, and
only one death from Diphtheria and one from Pneumonia following
Whooping Cough, the death taking place in Central Middlesex
Hospital.
81 cases of Pneumonia were notified during the year, in 1942
there were only 35 cases.
Influenza.
There was a widespread epidemic of Influenza in the latter
part of the year and a Circular from the Ministry of Health advised
each Authority to formulate a scheme to help with nursing and
home duties. Arrangements as follows were therefore made: —
(1) The British Red Cross Society would provide help in
nursing cases in their own homes.
(2) The W. V. S. would send women to help with domestic
duties, cooking, cleaning or shopping.
(3) The local Girl Guides were approached and were willing
to supply any help they could, running messages, doing
shopping, etc.
(4) The Secretary of the local Medical War Committee would
apply to Army and Air Force for relief in medical attendance
if that became necessary and local practitioners found
themselves unable to deal with large numbers of cases.
There was very little call for the service, 4 applications only being
received, but help was supplied to every case where it was required.
One case required nursing and the Red Cross Society assisted.
Three cases required domestic help, and the W.V.S. gave that help.
Fortunately the type of Influenza was mild and the majority of
people were in bed only a matter of three or four days.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
Immunisation was practised as before and every effort was made
to induce parents to have their children protected. The following
means were employed to contact all children under 14:
(a) At the age of 6 months, a notice is sent to the parents
of every child whose birth was notified to the Public Health
department.
(b) The parents of all children attending Welfare Centres
are approached.