London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Shoreditch 1929

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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24
In 22 instances there was evidence pointing to infection from a previous case.
The advance of medical science has now brought diphtheria within the group of
diseases against which individuals can be protected, and this fact is an important
one for the consideration of public health authorities.
Fourteen of the Metropolitan Borough Councils have established clinics at which
children can be tested as to their susceptibility to diphtheria, and, if not immune, be
protected by means of an easily administered skin injection.
The problem of the child who harbours diphtheria germs in its throat, and who
though not ill is a source of danger to others is a most difficult one.
The London County Council have made arrangements under which these children,
called "carriers," can receive treatment at special clinics at Guy's, London, and
St. Mary's hospitals.
Enteric Fevers.
There were four notifications, two of typhoid and two of paratyphoid fever. Of
the two cases notified as typhoid fever, in one the diagnosis was not confirmed, and
in the other the patient, a man aged 29 years, died eleven days after removal to
hospital.
Of the two cases notified as paratyphoid fever, in one the diagnosis was not
confirmed, and in the other the patient, a man aged 35 years, made a good recovery.
In addition to the cases notified might be mentioned two in which the diagnosis
of typhoid fever was not made until after death. One of these was a woman aged
58 years, and the other a man aged 54, both of whom died in hospital.
It was not possible to trace the source of infection in any case, and there were no
secondary cases.
Erysipelas.
The cases certified numbered 54, and there were 3 deaths. The deaths occurred
at the ages of 29 years, 68 years and ten months respectively. The age, seasonal and
ward distribution of the cases are included in the table on page 17.

A comparison between London and Shoreditch is contained in the following table

Per 1,000 inhabitants.Deaths per
Attack rate.Death rate.100 cases.
London0.490.036.75
Shoreditch0.450.035.18

These cases are not as a routine measure admitted to Hospital. 27 however
were moved, mostly to St. Leonard's Hospital, during the course of the year.
Administrative measures have for their object the securing of adequate treatment,
the discovery of the source and the prevention of the spread of infection.
A case of erysipelas in the house is a source of danger during a confinement or the
puerperium and enquiries are accordingly made and steps taken to safeguard against
this danger.