London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hendon 1942

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hendon]

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4,

TABLE I.

CASES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES OTHER THAN TUBERCULOSIS NOTIFIED DURING 1941 & 1942.

DISEASETOTALCASES 1941NOTIFIED 1942REMOVED TO HOSPITAL 1942
Scarlet Fever258508242
Diphtheria583838
Pneumonia21718068
Acute Poliomyelitis222
Measles887130037
Whooping Cough70734018
Cerebral Spinal Fever2698
Typhoid or Enteric Fever854

It will be seen that Measles increased in prevalence and that Whooping
Cough declined, although the cases of the former diseases were almost invariably
of a mild character and only 2 deaths from Measles were recorded. Scarlet Fever
increased, particularly in the latter months of the year and this increase has boon
maintained, giving rise to certain administrative problems in the provision of
hospital accommodation. The incidence of Diphtheria was still further reduced
and has now reached a uniquely low level, 38 cases having been notified during
the year, but the diagnosis of Diphtheria was confirmed in only 26 of these cases.
The campaign for the immunisation of children against Diphtheria was
intensified in a variety of ways; the propaganda at the Health Centres and.
following up by Health Visitors being continuod,as was the publicity on the
birthday cards which are sent to the children attending the Centre on their
birthday anniversaries. In addition,a letter was sent to all the parents of
children attending the Junior Departments of the public elementary schools,
enclosing a leaflet of advice and a form for the acceptance of treatment. Great
interest was taken by the Director of Education and the members of his staff in
this last method of approach, the success of which was very largely due to their
influence. Propaganda was also carried out in the local press and by the inclusion
of films in the Ministry of Information's weekly displays. Central Authorities
also provided valuable propaganda at local Cinemas and in the daily press and
particularly by Broadcast talks by authoritative persons, such as the Chief Medical
Officer of the Ministry of Health. From enquiries made, I am of the opinion that