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(b) Whooping Cough. One hundred and four cases
of whooping cough in school-children were notified during the
year. These cases were spread evenly over the course of the 12
months, and no epidemic was recorded.
Whooping Cough can he a disease very difficult
to diagnose. Children can have this complaint without "whooping"
even once^ and not all cases who "whoop" are definitely suffering
from whooping cough. Figures, therefore, must always he looked
upon with reserve.
(c) Measles. Cases of this disease were notified
during the whole year, 661 of which were school-children. This
number was spread evenly over the year. The highest incidence of
this disease occurred during the months of May and June.
(d) Diphtheria. Twenty two cases were notified
during the year. With the increased number's of children now being
immunised the danger of "this disease amongst school-children will
no doubt be diminished.
In November a cfenpaign against diphtheria amongst
school-children Was started, an& after talks in each school parents
were circularised and given an Opportunity to have their children
immunised against diphtheria. Up to Dccember 31st, 635 children
had been completely immunised and mainly as a result of the
campaign 5>069 children had received their first injections.
All the children at Hydon Heath Camp have been
protected against diphtheria and the final figures proved most
satisfactory.
Immunisations against scarlet fever and whooping
cough as well as diphtheria were carried out regularly at your
various clinics.
9» SKIN DISEASES.
Scabies. The incidence of scabies showed an increase
and in March special arrangements were made for out-patient
treatment of this complaint. Up to December 31st, 144 children
received treatment.
Skin Clinic. On Tuesday, 8th December, 1942, a Skin
Clinic was opened at the Barking Hospital for thetxeatment of
skin cases with one of the Hospital Medical Officers in charge.
Owing to the short period of time between the opening of the Clinic
and my Report nothing of real value can be recorded except that I
fully anticipate the success of the venture.
The following shows the number of skin defects
treated or under treatment, in respect of elementary scholars:-
1940. 1941. 1942.
Ringworm (Scalp). 1 4 6
Ringworm (Body). 11 17 13
Scabies. 135 403 659
Impetigo. 100 191 301
Other Skin Diseases. 155 397 1060
TOTALS. 432 1,012 2,039
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