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The number of deaths was five.
The satisfactory and prompt termination of the epidemic was
obviously due to the prompt measures taken to search out and
deal with the missed and carrier cases. Incidentally the epidemic
amply confirms the view now universally held that Diphtheria is
spread by personal contact with infected persons.
I should like to record that I received whole-hearted and
intelligent co-operation from the teachers, hospital staff, school
nurses and health visitors, and also my clerks, who all aided to
their utmost in aborting what might have been a most serious and
fatal epidemic.
PUERPERAL FEVER.
Cases notified, 5.
Deaths, nil.
Two of the cases were treated at the Whipps Cross Hospital,
one in the Royal Free Hospital, and two were treated at home.
Four occurred in the practice of midwives and one in that of a
medical practitioner.
All notified cases of Puerperal Fever are visited and full
enquiries made. The nurse in attendance on the case is requested
not to attend any further case of confinement for usually a month.
Her clothes and those of the patient, also the bedding and the
room occupied by the pafient, are disinfected.
In the event of a midwife attending a case the County Medical
Officer of Health (who administers the Midwives' Act) is informed
of the circumstances.
MIDWIVES.
There are 10 midwives residing in the district, excluding seven
or eight attached to the Essex County Nursing Association in
Beachcroft Road, Leytonstone.
In addition to these, midwives from adjoining authorities
practise in the district.
MEASLES.
There were six deaths during the year. Death-rate per 1,000
of the population, .04. All of the deaths occurred in children
under 6 years of age, i.e., in children who do not attend school.