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17
Measles cases were relatively few, there being only 37 admissions,
of whom 34 were from Croydon Borough as compared with
118 cases in the previous year. Most of the cases were admitted
towards the end of the year and represent the commencement
of the present year's epidemic. There were no fatal cases.
Gastro-Enteritis continued to decline both in numbers and
severity. Of 38 admissions, the diagnosis could only be confirmed
in 22, of whom 21 were from the Croydon Borough. There
was only one fatal case—a child aged two months.
Food Poisoning.—Six cases of infection by the food poisoning
organism, Salmonella Typhi-murium, were admitted. They
were of unusual severity and three proved fatal. Two deaths
were directly due to the infection, and the third was from heart
disease probably aggravated by it. Of the six cases four, including
two fatal cases, were from Croydon Borough. Unusual
features were hemorrhagic diarrhoea and septicemia. Another
new feature noted was the prolonged convalescent carrier state,
particularly in young infants and babies.
Meningitis.—Although there were 17 admissions for this
disease, the diagnosis was confirmed in only two cases, one tuberculous
and the other meningococcal. The former was transferred
for treatment and the latter made an uncomplicated recovery.
Diphtheria.—The admission of only one case of diphtheria
in the year constitutes a record for that disease.
Dysentery.—Seventeen dysentery patients were admitted, of
whom 14 were from the Croydon Borough. They were all mild
cases of the Sonne type and represent part of the general increased
prevalence of this infection.
Other Infections.—One case of typhoid fever was admitted.
Fatal infections other than those enumerated under the preceding
headings were:—
(1) Erysipelas—one fatal case occurring as a complication of
herpes zoster in an elderly patient with heart disease;
(2) Infective hepatitis—one fatal case occurring in association
with pregnancy;
(3) Broncho-pneumonia—one fatal case in a seven months'
old baby.
Cases (1) and (2) were late admissions.