Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southgate]
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occurred during the summer months. In another case, the infection
was contracted during a cruise. The source of infection in
two of the remaining cases, one of which unfortunately proved
fatal, remained doubtful, but in all probability arose outside the
Borough. The last case also resulted in a fatal issue, and in this
instance no evidence as to the original source of infection was
obtained. The patient died before the diagnosis was even established.
Apart from the two fatal cases, the remaining cases made a
complete recovery, although several were seriously ill on admission
to hospital.
All the cases, with the exception of the two fatal cases, one of
which was removed to a hospital outside the district and the other
of which died at home, were treated in the Southgate Isolation
Hospital.
Two cases occurred during 1935.
Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia.—Two cases of
puerperal pyrexia were notified during the year, as against three
cases of puerperal fever and eight of puerperal pyrexia during
1935. One case was removed to the Isolation Hospital.
These figures show a welcome decline in the incidence of these
two diseases, a decline which is even more pleasantly marked in
the death rate. In this connection, 1 again feel constrained to issue
the warning that it is unsafe to draw conclusions from such small
totals.
It was not necessary to call upon the services of Mr. Read, the
Council's consulting gynaecologist, during the year.
Erysipelas.—Seven cases of erysipelas were notified during
the year as against 23 in 1935 and 20 in 1934. No deaths occurred.
Three cases were removed to the Isolation Hospital.
Erysipelas has shared to a marked degree in the general
decline in infectious disease. As this disease is particularly trying
to elderly patients, the fall is especially welcome.
Pneumonia.—Thirty-four cases of pneumonia were notified
during 1936, as against 24 in 1935 and 41 in 1934.
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