London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Shoreditch 1933
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
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31
The death rates from diphtheria in Shoreditch and other areas are compared
in the table on page 30 of this Report.
The number of cases notified per 1,000 population are compared in the following table:—
| 1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929 | 1930 | 1931 | 1932 | 1933 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | 1.23 | 1.31 | 1.33 | 1.55 | 1.59 | 1.86 | 1.26 | ||
| London | 2.73 | 2.96 | 2.71 | 2.75 | 2.68 | 3.1 | 1.94 | 1.87 | 2.25 |
| Shoreditch | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.5 | 2.8 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 3.1 |
During the year the number of bacteriological examinations made for
the purpose of detecting the diphtheria bacillus numbered 897.
Home enquiries were made in the majority of cases notified and it was
possible to trace the source of infection in 24 instances.
Much 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.
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. All the cases notified during
the year were removed to hospital.
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,
at 8-14, Laburnum Street, or after office hours from the Town Hall.
Diphtheria is sometimes spread by "carriers," that is, by individuals
who though not ill themselves carry the diphtheria germ in the nose or
throat. These cases are most commonly found amongst children, and the
London County Council have made arrangements under which school
children can be treated for this condition at special clinics at Guy's, the
London, and St. Mary's Hospitals. On one or two occasions it has been
possible to arrange for children who were below school age to attend these
clinics.
Diphtheria Immunization Clinic.
This Clinic was commenced on 17th October and is held on Tuesday
afternoon in the premises used at other times for the Artificial Sunlight
Clinic and situated in the basement of the new offices in Laburnum Street.
Dr. McGregor, the Assistant Medical Officer of Health, is in medical
charge and nursing and clerical assistance is rendered by Sister Pollard, who
is a part-time Officer.
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