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

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Shoreditch 1931

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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The number of cases notified per 1,000 population are compared in the following table : —

1922192319241925192619271928192919301931
England and Wales1.371.051.071.231.311.331.551.591.861.26
London3.372.272.312.732.962.712.752.683.11.94
Shoreditch4.13.43.64.14.03.73.52.83.32.3

During the year the number of bacteriological examinations made for
the purpose of detecting the diphtheria bacillus numbered 775.

Home enquiries were made in the majority of cases notified. The age distribution was as follows : —

Age period.Male.Female.Total.
Under 1 year538
1-2 years81119
2-3 years81018
3-4 years131528
4-5 years212041
5-10 years ...444690
10-13 years131225
Over 13 years52934
Total117146263

From the fact that it was only possible to trace the source of infection
in 24 instances, it will be seen that the spread of diphtheria cannot be prevented
by the administrative measures at present in force. Much, however,
can be done to lower the mortality and to lessen the serious after effects of
the disease by securing the prompt removal of patients to hospital and by
advising those who have been exposed to infection to seek medical aid if
suspicious symptoms develop. All the cases notified during the year were
removed to hospital.
It is usually possible for cases to be removed to one of the London
County Council Fever Hospitals within an hour of the receipt of a telephone
message from the doctor in attendance, so that there is a minimum of delay
in the commencement of anti-toxin treatment.
If for any reason the patient cannot at once be removed to hospital,
anti-toxin and syringe can be obtained from the Public Health Department.
It has been explained that it is not possible in the majority of cases of
diphtheria to trace the source of infection. This is due to the fact that
individuals who have themselves suffered little or no ill effects may harbour
the diphtheria germs in their throats. In many instances this condition is
probably quite transient, but certain cases are found in which individuals
continue to " carry " virulent germs for long periods. These cases are
most frequently detected among school children, and the London County