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
Chelsea 1951
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chelsea]
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18
DIPHTHERIA
Set out below are details of notifications of and deaths from Diphtheria from 1900 to 1951.
| Year | Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 179 | 18 |
| +1901^-1910 | 108.3 | 9.7 |
| +1911-1920 | 84.3 | 6.1 |
| +1921-1930 | 133.7 | 6.2 |
| +1931-1940 | 93.7 | 3.2 |
| +1941-1950 | 10.6 | 0.1 |
+ Averages over periods of ten years.
The very sharp decline in the incidence of Diphtheria during the
period 1941-1950 is, to some extent, attributable to the outbreak of
hostilities prior to the commencenent of this particular decade, with
the consequent evacuation of children to safer areas, but it must be
borne in mind that by mid 1947 the population (51,000) was again
approaching pre-war levels. The average numbers of cases and deaths
for the five years 1947-1951 were 2 and Nil respectively.
Immunisation which is commented upon elsewhere, has played a
major part in, from a statistical point of view, the present excellent
position; nevertheless it is constantly necessary to publicise the
efficacy of such a service.