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38
III.— INFECTIOUS AND OTHER DISEASES.
During the year 1936 the number of notifications of all infectious diseases (excluding
tuberculosis) was 1,681, as compared with 810 for the year 1935. The deaths
from notifiable diseases (excluding tuberculosis) during 1936 numbered 146, which
figure represents 13.3 per cent. of the total deaths for the Borough. The corresponding
number for 1935 was 79 (7.9 per cent. of the total deaths). It should be noted that
for the year 1936 the notifications included 975 for measles, and that this disease was
not notifiable in previous years. Full particulars of the notified cases, classified
according to the time of occurrence, age, and the wards in which they occurred, are
given in the table on page 40.
The most noteworthy feature of the year's work in relation to infectious diseases
was the prevalence of measles. The epidemic was expected, and adequate measures
had been taken in advance to deal with the situation. As was noted in the Report
for 1935, measles was made a notifiable disease in Shoreditch by an Order of the
Ministry of Health dated 24th June, 1935. Notification is compulsory only in respect
of the first case of measles under 5 years of age in each household. This means that
the notification figures are of no value for the purpose of estimating the extent of the
disease, and it should therefore be emphasised here that the figures for measles which
are given in this Report should not be used unless their significance is appreciated.
A short time before the epidemic commenced, arrangements were completed with the
County Medical Officer of Health for the exchange of information regarding individual
patients, and for co-operation in other directions. Temporary additions were made
to the infectious diseases staff during the period of the epidemic, and at the peak of the
epidemic five whole-time visitors were employed. The arrangements worked very
satisfactorily. A fuller description of the epidemic will be found on page 50. It is
only necessary to mention here that the outbreak and the measures taken to deal with
it imposed a considerable strain on certain members of the staff, and it was due to
their loyal co-operation that the results achieved were so satisfactory.
A relatively high incidence was shown by three other diseases, namely, scarlet
fever, diphtheria, and dysentery. During the year under review the cases of both scarlet
fever, and diphtheria showed a considerable decrease on the corresponding figures for
1935, but the diminution was more marked in the case of diphtheria. Examination
of the table on page 40 will indicate that diphtheria showed no definite seasonal