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Puerperal pyrexia means any febrile condition occurring in
a woman within 21 days after child-birth or miscarriage in which
a temperature of 100.4F. or more has been sustained during a
period of 24 hours, or has recurred during that period.
Particulars of the confinement are ascertained, as are those
of any ante-natal care received. The occurrence of any illness
in the family (for example, scarlet fever, erysipelas, impetigo,
diphtheria, sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, antral or skin
infections), is noted. In many cases these details are kindly
supplied directly by the Doctor in attendance, and it is the
endeavour of the Public Health Department that the patient
shall have the treatment, (specialist attendant, bacteriological
examination, removal to Hospital) which the Family Doctor
considers appropriate.
No. of cases notified within 7 days of the birth 15
No. of cases notified between 7 and 14 days of the birth 6
No. of cases notified between 14 and 21 days of the birth 2
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No cause ascertained for the pyrexia in 5 cases—Infection
due to Haemolytic Streptococcus (Group B) 2 cases—to
Streptococcus Viridans 1 case—to Bacillus Proteus 1 case—the
other cases were associated with Influenza—with Mastitis and
Thrombus of leg veins—with Stitch Abscess—and with instrumental
delivery.
STILL BIRTHS.
Regarding still-births, each Health Visitor, in her area,
reports upon the mother's health during the pregnancy, noting
details of any ante-natal supervision and of any work performed
during the pregnancy; whether the confinement took place
at home or in hospital, and the occurrence of any abnormal
circumstance at the confinement. The history of any previous
pregnancies is ascertained; and if there be anything requring
medical advice now, the mother is advised to consult her Doctor.
The importance of early ante-natal care from the Family Doctor
or at the municipal clinic in any future pregnancy is always
stressed. There were 57 still-births during the year known to
the Public Health Department.
Causes of still-birth:—high blood pressure and toxaemia,
albuminuria, delayed labour, uterine inertia, eclampsia, hydramnios,
placenta praevia, abnormal presentation of child, postmaturity
and maceration, prematurity, instrumental delivery,
hydrocephalus.
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