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39
Anthrax.
No case of this disease was notified during the year.
Plague.
No case of this disease was notified during the year. In connection with this
disease it is of interest to note that there has been a recent incursion by the black
rat (Rattus alexandrinus) into the central London area. Modern methods of construction
have been effective in excluding the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) from
new buildings. The black rat, which was formerly the prevalent variety of the
species in this country, died out many years ago and the recent influx is probably
due to spread from the ports. The black rat is a host of plague bacilli.
A recent circular from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries pointed out
the increase in the numbers of the black rat, and steps were taken in the Borough
to ascertain whether any of these rodents were harbouring plague bacilli. Ten
rats were sent for post-mortem examination, and in every case it was ascertained
that the animals were free from this bacillus.
Measles.
The deaths from measles during 1934 numbered 29 and occurred in the following
age groups: under 1 year, 5; between 1 and 2 years, 15; between 2 and 5 years,
8 ; between 5 and 15 years, 1.
Measles was responsible for 14.4 per cent. of all deaths of children under five
years of age. It will be apparent from these figures that measles was a very important
cause of death in children under two years of age, and it is for this reason that efforts
have been made in recent years to effect a reduction in this mortality. The following
table gives the deaths and death rates from measles for Shoreditch and London
respectively during recent years. It will be seen that 1934 was an epidemic year.
The actual epidemic commenced in November, 1933, and continued until August,
1934. The disease is not notifiable in Shoreditch and consequently no figures are
available regarding the actual incidence of the disease. From information which
was received from different sources, however, it would seem that the epidemic was
of considerable magnitude.
Before the commencement of the epidemic arrangements were made between
the London County Council and the Borough authorities whereby all cases of measles
or suspected measles discovered by the school authorities would be reported to the
Medical Officer of Health of the Borough. Action would then be taken to ensure
that suitable cases should be admitted to hospital. A special measles visitor was
appointed by the Borough Council and this officer worked in co-operation with the
London County Council School Nurse. As a result of these measures the department
received information of 1,107 cases of measles during the calendar year 1934.