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42
The serum of 5 of the patients was examined for Widal's
reaction by the Lister Institute, and was found to be positive
in each instance. Of the 6 cases, 1 ended fatally.
Notification of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis and Acute
Poliomyelitis.
The Council decided to make both these diseases compulsorily
notifiable in Finchley, and they became so in February,
1912. By the order of the Local Government Board, issued
August 15th, 1912, these diseases were made oompulsorily
notifiable throughout the whole country. Acute Poliomyelitis,
the cause of "Infantile Paralysis," is now proved to be a
contagious disease, and although very erratic in its infectivity
there have been several somewhat alarming epidemics in
various parts of England during the last two or three years.
It is always desirable to isolate the patient in the acute stage
of the illness. Arrangements have been made by the Council
for cases requiring hospital isolation to be sent to the Hornsey
Borough Fever Hospital.
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis.
One case was notified in July, 1912. The patient was a
boy of 15 years. The cerebro-spinal fluid was examined on
two different occasions, but it was clear and sterile. Clinically
the case was such as to leave no doubt as to the Meningitis,
but the cause could not be discovered. The patient made a
tedious but complete recovery, and was nursed at home.
No case was notified during the year 1913.
SmallPox.
No case was notified.
Puerperal Fever.
4 cases of Puerperal Sepsis were notified during the year,
resulting in 2 deaths.