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ERYSIPELAS.
Twenty-two cases of Erysipelas occurred, of which 16
were nursed at home. Of the 6 cases treated in hospital 2
were accommodated at the West Middlesex County Hospital,
and 1 case each at Redhill County, Hillingdon County,
Willesden Isolation and Acton Isolation Hospitals.
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM.
Of the 8 cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum notifield 1
case occurred in a child born in the Willesden Maternity
Hospital. It is worthy of note that in no case was the vision
impaired. Home treatment was carried out in respect of 4
of the 7 Wembley babies, whilst of the remaining 3, 2 were
accommodated at the Middlesex Hospital and the third at
Queen Mary's Hospital, Hampstead.
ANTERIOR POLIOMYELITIS.
There were in all 15 cases of this disease in the twelve
months. In the summer there was a small outbreak involving
7 cases. These have already been reported to the Council
in a special report by Dr. Mary King. A visitor spent two
nights in this district and in a few days on returning to his
own home in Essex he was found to be suffering from
Infantile Paralysis. In 13 days' time the Wembley friend's
similar illness was notified. In 5 Wembley cases there was
traced a connection to explain the spread of the disease, but
there appears little doubt that the spread of this disease is
due more to those who may become for a short time
"carriers" of the virus without illness, or to those who may
suffer from the disease in an abortive or atypical form.
Concerning this small outbreak in 1936, considerable
investigation was made. All possible contacts were visited
and advised of the importance of the family doctor being
called on the slightest suspicion of illness. With the concurrence
of the County Medical Officer of Health the school
in the district was visited and the causes of absences of the
children in the classes considered. In all, the Sanitary
Inspectors made 189 visits concerning this matter.
ENCEPHALITIS LETHARGICA.
The only case of Encephalitis Lethargica during the year
occurred in a man aged 32 years. The case was accommodated
at the St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington.
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