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16
Comments on Infectious Diseases.
There was a measles epidemic in the year under review, but
it was mild in type and, fortunately, came after the winter months,
so that serious complications were less prevalent.
It will be observed that while there were only two notified
cases of diphtheria, in the cause of deaths table there is recorded
a death from diphtheria. The patient was an adult male age 39,
and his death was attributed to " hypertoxic diphtheria." No
other case was found associated with him, and no explanation of
how the infection was acquired or the reason for its fulminating
nature. Assuming the accuracy of the diagnosis, it is an isolated
phenomenon incapable of explanation against the present general
background of the epidemology of diphtheria.
Anterio poliomyelitis cases occurred, but were not numerous.
During the months when this condition was increasing in
frequency in surrounding areas all operations for removal of
tonsils and adenoids were suspended in Croydon. The value of
this precautionary measure is perhaps doubtful, but weighing
possible benefits and risks, the decision seems fully justifiable.
Food poisoning cases showed an increase, but this is probably
due to a reminder to all practitioners that the condition is notifiable
under the provisions of the Food and Drugs Act. There
was no large scale outbreak.
Scarlet fever maintained its prevalence and its mild character.
CROYDON ISOLATION HOSPITAL.
Infectious cases admitted from Croydon Borough in 1949:—
Scarlet Fever.
Scarlet Fever became unusually prevalent during the last
three months of the year, but the total number of admissions was
74 less than in 1948.
Measles.
Measles was prevalent in the early part of the year, but the
total number admitted was 15 fewer than in the previous year.
Rare complications encountered were interstitial emphysema (2
cases) and keratitis with corneal opacity, now rare (1 case). There
was one fatal case, gastro-enteritis being the fatal complication.