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
Croydon 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]
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79
SCARLET FEVER.
The total number of scarlet fever cases admitted during the
year was 799, an increase of 168 on 1936. 734 cases were
admitted from the Borough and 65 from Penge.
The type of disease during the year was generally mild, but
otorrhoea was a frequent complication. 17 cases sent in as scarlet
fever were not suffering from that disease.
The following complications and sequela; occurred amongst
the true Scarlet Fever cases:—
Table VI.
| Total cases | Serum Cases. | Non-Serum Cases. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 195 | 587 | 782 | |
| Adenitis | 20 | 44 | 64 |
| Otorrhoea | 12 | 32 | 44 |
| Rhinorrhoea | 15 | 35 | 50 |
| Albuminuria | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Nephritis | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Rheumatism | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Relapses | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Secondary Sore Throat | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Abscesses and Boils | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Mastoid | 2 | 3 | 5 |
The average stay in hospital of serum cases was 37 and of
non-serum cases 35.7 days.
Two deaths occurred amongst the Scarlet Fever cases, one
being a toxic case, the other complicated by broncho-pneumonia.
The number of complications amongst the 587 non-serum cases
was 132 (22%), whereas the complications amongst the serum
cases was 67 (33%).
Prontosil Album was also tried in 41 cases and the results
were favourable. One case showed meth hæmoglobinæmia, but
recovered quickly with appropriate treatment.