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(b) Rheumatic Fever.—In the past I have advocated
the setting up of a rheumatic clinic, and the possibility
of a form of in-patient treatment for this condition.
This I still hope will come to pass, because rheumatic
fever, as I have stated previously, is more prevalent in
Barking than it is in other parts of the Country, and
this is true for all parts of the Thames Valley.
What I envision is that you will set up something to
take the place of the rheumatic clinics held elsewhere.
(c) Influenza.—I regret to report that during 1938
there were 9 deaths from influenza—this contrasts
with the 17 deaths recorded during 1937.
Much has been done in the treatment of influenza
experimentally, but as yet no specific treatment has
been advanced. There are a number of local products,
produced at Dagenham, which have done much to
curtail and ease the treatment of the resultant pneumonic
conditions, which are the complications of
influenza.
(d) Scabies.—Fifty cases of scabies were brought to
the notice of the department during the year. Disinfection
of bedding and blankets was carried out
where desired.
(e) General.—As you know, the School Attendance
Officers of the Education Committee are General
Inquiry Officers, and we have a lot of reliable information
on which we can act so far as infectious diseases
amongst school-children are concerned.