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6
Reviewing the records relating to Zymotic Diseases it
will be found that 1,187 cases of notifiable diseases occurred,
compared with 1,028 in 1907. The increase was mainly due to
Diphtheria, which was more prevalent during the months of
November and December. Lewisham suffered in common with
other South Metropolitan Boroughs in this respect. The
disease was more virulent in character than in previous years,
evidenced by a mortality rate of 0.28 per thousand of the
population compared with 0.11 in 1907. It was found that the
early closure by your Council of School Class-rooms, in which
cases occurred had a most beneficial effect. Our experience has
proved that the attempts to exclude carrier cases from schools
without closure are futile.
Your women sanitary inspectors, in addition to inspections
in connection with workshops and workplaces, have rendered
valuable assistance in our attempts to prevent the extension of
consumption by home visits. They have also assisted in
controlling infectious diseases by means of investigations at
several schools and visits to homes where necessary. Good
results have also followed their visits and inspections of many
poor dwellings.
In conclusion I again desire to record my appreciation
of the excellent work of the staff and the willing assistance I
have at all times received from them.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health and Public Analyst.
May, 1909.