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Scarlet Fever
In a report of the World Health Organisation, dated 18th April, 1952,
it is stated there has been an increasing number of cases of scarlet fever in
Europe during the last few years. Fortunately there is a simultaneous
decrease in mortality, so that in actual fact the disease is not now a source of
anxiety to us in spite of the increase in the number of cases.
This increase is localised to certain areas and certain countries. Barking
for instance has escaped entirely. Notifications have remained more or less
stationary since 1944 and there was one death attributable to the disease
in 1944 and one in 1945, but none since.
In England and Wales the notifications have remained more or less
stationary since 1945, but there have been up to 37 deaths in 1951 (there
were 33 deaths from diphtheria). Scotland and Ireland on the contrary
have experienced quite severe epidemics in 1948 and 1949.
It is pleasing to record that the position in Barking is so satisfactory, in
comparison with other areas.
Tuberculosis
Mass Miniature Radiography. During the year a survey was carried out
in Barking. A total of 11,454 people were photographed and of this number
there were 329 who were re-examined because the miniature film was not in
all respects satisfactory.
The following table shows the findings of the survey:—

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