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majority of cases, puerperal pyrexia is no longer a
disease which either kills or even incapacitates, it has
been claimed that notification is no longer required. It
would certainly be true to say that most cases of puerperal
pyrexia are due to such simple causes as constipation or a
common head cold occurring shortly after childbirth.
Against this we know that.there are other causes for a rise
in temperature during the peurperium, and that these causes
may be highly significant. As midwives must be prevented
at all costs from moving from one infected mother to another,
it would seem highly proper that even the mild conditions
now known as puerperal pyrexia should continue to be brought
to our notice.
Smallpox.
No case of smallpox occurred in Friern Barnet during
1954. Once again I have not been asked to see any doubtful
rashes.
I am glad to be able to report that the number of
mothers seeking vaccination at Child Welfare clinics in
Friern Barnet shows a definite increase. I have communicated
with general practitioners, asking them to advocate
vaccination as strongly as possible, because of the extremely
low vaccination state prevailing throughout the country.
Practitioners will shortly be supplied with an attractive
display-card urging vaccination as well as immunisation.
I have asked them to display this card in their waiting rooms,
and have little doubt that they will co-operate,
Tuberculosis.
Twenty-four cases of tuberculosis (23 pulmonary and
1 non-pulmonary) were notified during the year, as against
33 cases during 1953.
In addition 14 persons who had previously been
notified as suffering from tuberculosis whilst living in
other areas, took up residence in the district during,the
year. The total number of cases added to the register
was 38, eighteen less than during the previous year.
The distribution of new cases amongst the various
wards was as follows:-
North. South. Central. East. West. Friern Hospital.
7 4 3 - 4 6
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