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49
the prevention of influenza, and a pamphlet of instructions to Medical Officers
of Health on Influenza Vaccine. The memorandum is a revision of the one
issued by the Local Government Board in February, 1919. There were few
cases of the disease in the district at that time, but the Ministry advised that
the Council's plans for dealing with it should be determined in advance of
any fresh epidemic. The Council was authorised thereby to provide medical,
including nursing assistance to the poor inhabitants, and to supply medical
practitioners with preventive vaccine. A copy of the memorandum was sent
by me to each Councillor.
VENEREAL DISEASES.
Four deaths were recorded as due to these diseases in their primary forms,
viz., 1 gonorrhoea and 3 from congenital syphilis, but deaths due to their
later effects are recorded, e.g., general paralysis of insane, locomotor ataxy,
stricture, etc.
On April 24th I received a circular from the Middlesex County Council
accompanying a revised list of hospitals in the London area which give free
and confidential treatment; also copies of leaflets.
In September, 50 large posters, provided by the County Council, were
exhibited on our hoardings.
OTHER DISEASES.
Alcoholism.—One death from this cause was recorded in Church Street
Ward. The death returns of this disease, as in the instance of venereal diseases,
are most deceptive.
Anthrax.—Amongst the deaths registered outside the district was one
of a man aged 54 years, on the 29th April. At the inquest, held at St.
Bartholomew's Hospital, the verdict was that he had died from anthrax contracted
during his employment as foreman of a horse-hair factory.
Tetanus.—On November 5th I received from the Ministry of Health a
circular, dated 31st October, with a memorandum of the same date. The
Ministry proposed to place some Army stock of anti-toxin at my disposal (over
a limited period) for distribution to practitioners; fortunately there was no
need to apply for any, as the disease is practically unknown here.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease.—On November 5th I received a circular from
the Ministry of Health and a copy of a handbill setting out the characteristic
symptoms of this disease now prevailing in parts of the country.
Rabies.—On April 17th I received from the Local Government Board a
circular letter of the 16th enclosing a memorandum marked "revised December,
1918," hitherto circulated only in the West of England, where cases had