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During the year the regulations were modified in that the
condition was defined as any rise in temperature to 100.4°F. in a
woman within 21 days of childbirth. The temperature need not
recur or be sustained as was the case previously. This wider
definition has produced a rise in the number of notifications from
24 in 1950 to 38 in 1951. There have been no deaths in the Borough
since 1949.
The differences in figures for the Maternity Hospitals in the
locality can safely be ascribed to a more efficient system of
notification among the staff rather than a true reflection of
incidence.
Scarlet Fever.
There were 203 cases notified, 196 of which were confirmed
cases. 42 of these were removed to hospital.
The number of cases shows a considerable drop compared
with 1950, when 286 cases were notified and 61 required hospital
treatment.
The disease continues to exhibit a very mild form—as indeed
do all the infections due to the haemolytic streptococcus. While
other infections due to the haemolytic streptococcus are not notifiable
the value of notification as a method of control of Scarlet Fever
is extremely limited.
Smallpox.
The continuing outbreaks of Smallpox imported from abroad
and the recent discovery of a large focus of variola minor in Rochdale
stress the great importance of a high vaccinal state among the
general population.