London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Barking 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
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TABLE III.
Monthly summary of notifications of Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria received during 1934:—
| Scarlet F ever. | Diphtheria. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 51 | 25 | 76 |
| February | 34 | 24 | 58 |
| March | 36 | ||
| April | 36 | 33 | 69 |
| May | 59 | ||
| June | 44 | 35 | 79 |
| July | 39 | 67 | |
| August | 33 | 59 | |
| September | 51 | 30 | |
| October | 49 | 41 | 90 |
| November | 47 | 38 | 85 |
| December | 56 | 60 | |
| Totals | 525 | 398 | 923 |
3. NON-NOTIFIABLE ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
(a) Measles, etc.—The most important of these are measles, whooping cough
and summer diarrhoea. Deaths registered were as follows:—
Measles13
Whooping Cough -
Summer Diarrhoea 6
(b) Rheumatic Fever.—Rheumatic fever, as I have said previously, is a serious
problem in Barking.
(c) Influenza.—There were 12 deaths from influenza during the year 1934.
This contrasts favourably with 21 deaths in the year 1933.
I feel I must repeat that the general public look upon influenza far too lightly.
It is wrong for people to keep at work and otherwise to mix freely with other people
when they are likely to spread disease.
(d) Scabies.—Twenty-two cases of scabies were brought to the notice of the
department during the year. Disinfection of bedding and blankets was carried out
in all but six cases, where the parents declined the services offered.