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23
INFECTIVE ENTERITIS.
This disease is notifiable in seven London boroughs, but not in Paddington. In this borough
information as to the existence of the disease is obtained wherever possible, and arrangements are
in force whereby cases of the disease attending St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington Green Children's
Hospital and Paddington Infirmary are notified informally to the Health Department of the Council.
By this means a large proportion of the worst cases of the disease are brought to notice.
During 1924 the number of cases reported was 92 under the age of 2 years, and 23 over the age
of 2 years.
The deaths numbered 33, all under the age of 1 year.
During 1925 the number of cases reported was 148 under the age of 2 years, and 47 over the
age of 2 years.
The deaths numbered 24, 21 of these occurring in children under the age of 2 years.
Practically all the cases of the disease occurred during the months June to November, the
maximum incidence being in August; hence the more popular name for the disease, Summer Diarrhoea.
The connection between infective enteritis and house-flies is a close one, and a good deal has
been written on this subject in past annual reports. As in previous years, during 1924 and 1925,
weekly fly-counts were made in various parts of the borough.
It is proposed to analyse the figures of these counts in relation to the prevalence of infective
enteritis in a subsequent annual report.
Any effective measures against infective enteritis must be largely preventive. None the less
every effort is made to assist mothers who have a child suffering from the disease. A health visitor
visits as often as may be necessary, and for nursing the services of the District Nursing Association
are available.
With a view to impressing on mothers certain essential points, a card drawn up in a simple and
dogmatic manner has been prepared for use. It is as follows:—
METROPOLITAN BOROUGH OF PADDINGTON.
Precautions Against Summer Diarrhœa.
1. Flies carry the infection of Summer Diarrhœa., therefore kill every fly you can.
2. All food and milk should be covered to prevent flies getting to it. Kitchen refuse should at once be
burnt or placed in a dustbin which has a tightly fitting cover.
3. Bottle-fed babies are more likely to get Diarrhoea than breast-fed babies, therefore avoid weaning
baby during the summer months, if possible.
4. Boil all milk before use.
5. All feeding-bottles should be cleansed by running water, then put into a pan of cold water and brought
to the boil, teat included.
6. If a baby or child shows signs of summer Diarrhoea or of sickness give a dose of castor oil, after which
starve completely for twenty-four hours, except to give little drinks of cold water which has been boiled, put
into a jug and kept covered. Do not give one drop of milk during the twenty-four hours. Keep the child
warm, especially the lower part of body and the feet, during this time. It the Diarrhoea continues go at once
for the doctor.
7. Diarrhœa. is Infectious.
The napkins of a baby with Diarrhoea should be rinsed at once in cold water, then washed and boiled
before being used again.
A mother should always wash her hands after changing the napkin and before giving baby a feed, or a child
a meal.
8. Keep baby's face covered with a net so that flies cannot get to it.
9. Summer Diarrhoea is often fatal to babies, and even if they recover, it leaves harmful after-effects.
G. E. OATES, M.D.,
Town Hall, Medical Officer of Health.
Paddington Green, W. 2.
TUBERCULOSIS.
Tuberculosis of all kinds is notifiable, and particulars of the number of notification certificates
received during the years 1924 and 1925 are set out in the tables appended hereto.
Owing to the fact that a case of tuberculosis may be notified in several boroughs or districts, the
number of notification certificates received is only a very imperfect guide to the amount of tuberculosis
in the borough. There is also the consideration that notification is more strictly enforced
in some districts than in others. However, recent alterations in procedure tend to make the number