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Nutrition.
An effort was made during the year to survey the malnourished children
at school, and it was found that more children were affected than was at first
thought to be the case.
There are so many things which present themselves for attention, that it
is very difficult to do systematic medical work without further assistance,
mere inspection of school-children is quite enough nowadays without the
necessary following-up, and the carrying into effect of any recommendations
that are to be made; in short, our medical and clerical staff still need to be
further augmented.
Section F.
PREVALENCE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
Measles and whooping cough are still the predominant infectious diseases
amongst young children; in fact, they seem to be a heritage in Edmonton.
The incidence of diphtheria, although higher than last year, is still comparatively
low, but in a few cases we seem to get a very virulent type.
Scarlet fever is fairly prevalent, although low in comparison with the
rest of the country, and mild in type.
"Return" cases numbered nine, allowing for an interval of 28 days
between a patient coming home from the Isolation Hospital and an inmate
of the house going down.
Smallpox.
No cases of smallpox were notified during the year.
Enteric Fever.
Nine cases of this disease were notified during the year, as compared
with 14 last year. Despite exhaustive investigation, we were unable to trace
the source of infection.
Immunisation against Diphtheria.
The demand for immunisation against diphtheria continues; practically
all the children brought for immunisation are under 10 years of age. The
preparation used is T.A.F., and three injections are given at weekly intervals.
Puerperal fever, puerperal pyrexia, and ophthalmia neonatorum are
referred to later on, under the heading of Maternity and Child Welfare.
Food Poisoning.
This disease is notifiable in Edmonton, but no cases have been reported
during the year.
Rheumatism.
A special rheumatic clinic was commenced during the year and, as
forecast in my last Annual Report, the numbers discovered were high, so
much so that we have a waiting list.
Pneumonia.
The number of cases of primary and influenzal pneumonia notified
remains about the same, although it is felt that a number of cases still go
without notification.
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