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33
Twenty-seven cases were notified during the year.
During the year the Local Government Board by order made
Ophthalmia Neonatorum compulsorily notifiable throughout
England and Wales. Ophthalmia Neonatorum has been notifiable
in Croydon since February, 1911. The only change produced in
Croydon by this requirement was the issue of a new notification
form on which certain information required by the Local Government
Board in addition to that previously obtained is asked for.
ERYSIPELAS.
was notified on 96 occasions, and 7 cases ended fatally.
CEREBRO SPINAL MENINGITIS AND ACUTE
POLIOMYELITIS.
There have been no cases of these diseases during 1914.
ANTHRAX.
In December, 1914, a small outbreak of anthrax occurred in
the borough in connection with the meat provision trade. Five
men were infected and two of the cases were fatal. Most strict
disinfection was carried out at the premises concerned, and all
removable material which might have been contaminated was
burnt in the destructor. A very thorough and extensive series of
enquiries were made at all places from which animals or carcases
had been received by the firm. The enquiry extended over the
whole of the South and West of England, but the actual source
of infection was not traced. One of the medical inspectors of the
Local Government Board who came to investigate the outbreak
was satisfied that every possible precaution had been taken to
prevent the spread of the disease. The occurrence of this condition
is very rare in Croydon.