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
Beckenham 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beckenham]
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Epidemic Diarrhoea.
This disease becomes notifiable annually during the period 15th
July to 15th October. No cases were notified.
Puerperal Pyrexia.
Fourteen cases were notified. Of these, 10 occurred in the Beckenham
and Penge Joint Maternity Hospital, 3 in other institutions and 1 in
the patient's own home.
Other Diseases Notified.
Whooping Cough (133 cases) occurred mostly during the firs;
half of the year. Chickenpox (120 cases) and Mumps (95 cases) occurred
mostly during the first quarter of the year.
Scabies.
It has not been found necessary to continue the war-time arrange
ments for the treatment of scabies. Instructions and material are issue;
to any cases referred to the Department.
Overseas Contacts.
Information was received from Ports and Air Ports of the arrival
of 3 persons from areas where Smallpox and or Cholera existed. These
cases were visited daily until we were satisfied that no infection existed
Bacteriological Work.
The number and results of the examinations made at the Public Health Department Laboratory up to 30th June, 1948, was:—
| Disease Suspected | Total 1948 | Results | Comparative Total for 1947 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Negative | |||
| Diphtheria | 19 | — | 19 | 95 |
| Tuberculosis | 17 | — | 17 | 39 |
| Other Diseases | 31 | — | 31 | 12 |
| Total | 67 | — | 67 | 146 |
Tuberculosis.
The total of 71 cases compare with 81, 78, 64, 79 and 71 in the
preceding five years.
In addition to the new cases there were 9 definite cases transferred
from other areas, and 2 old cases restored to the register. 6 cases were
not notified until after death. At the end of the year, the number of
notified cases in the area was:—
38