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11
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
Table IV in the Appendix gives details of the cases of infectious
disease notified during 1943. The total 776 is rather higher than
that for the previous years which was 689. The number is high
very largely on account of the large number of notifications of
measles and whooping cough. The infections generally were of
a, mild type, no death occurred in 356 cases of measles, and only
one death in 106 cases of whooping cough. There were 155 cases
of scarlet fever notified and 26 of diphtheria, but no death from
either disease, 1943 being the fourth year in succession in which
no death from diphtheria has occurred in Wood Green. Thirty-four
deaths occurred from pneumonia and 25 from tuberculosis.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION.
Immunisation against diphtheria was carried out as in former
years, the number immunised during the year being 1,043. Of
these 674 were under 5 years of age, and 369 from 5 to 15 years.
The material used for immunisation in all cases was Alum Precipitated
Toxoid provided free by the Ministry of Health. At the
end of the year it was estimated that 60 per cent. of all children
under 5 years of age, and 82 per cent. of children from 5 to 15 years
had been immunised.
SCABIES.
Scabies continued to be prevalent in the Borough throughout
the year although not to the same extent as in 1942. 284 cases in
all received treatment at the First Aid Post in White Hart Lane
School. Of these 130 were children of school age, 59 children
under school age, and 95 adults. The preparation used was Benzyl
Benzoate Emulsion, and the results have been very satisfactory.
So far as the general cleanliness of the community is concerned,
there is little evidence of any deterioration in this respect during
the war years in spite of housing difficulties and the discomforts and
crowding of shelter life. A few requests have been received during
the year for advice or assistance in dealing with infestation by