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16
Allowing for the number of deaths and the number of children that have
contracted the disease, there are at present in the Borough between 34000 and
35,000 children under five years of age that have not yet haa the disease.
In every epidemic there must be a large number of mild and unrecognised
cases, which doubtless are frequent sources of dissemination of infection. A
child is taken ill and a medical man is called in to see him. There is a
slight rash which the doctor considers to be that of Scarlet Fever. He informs
the parents accordingly, and probably recommends the removal of the child
to the Fever Hospital. The parents—especially if they are foreigners—may
dislike the idea of having their children removed. It frequently happens
that, on the following day, another medical man is called in when the rash has
meanwhile disappeared. There is nothing to indicate that the child is suffering
from Scarlet Fever, and the doctor is asked to certify that the child is in his opinion
free from Scarlet Fever, or any other infectious disease. The fact that
another doctor has notified the disease, has probably been withheld from him.
Replying on the second certificate, the parents often refuse to have the patient
removed unless great pressure is brought upon them, and Police Court proceedings
are threatened. On one occasion, an order was obtained at the Police
Court, and heavy costs inflicted on the mother. There were no means of
isolation at home, and the children were allowed to go out into the
streets, and mix with other children. They were even sent to school before the
premises were disinfected. Before, however, they had been at the school a
couple of hours, I visited the premises and found their whereabouts. I visited
the school and examined the two children. One was certainly in an infectious
condition, as she had enlarged glands and tonsils as well as a copious discharge
from the nose.
Whooping- Cough.
The number of deaths from Whooping Cough was 102, or 3 more than
in the previous year. This corresponds to a death-rate of .33 per 1,000 of the
population.
16 belonged to the Limehouse District, or at the rate of .27 per
1,000 of the population.
22 belonged to St. George's, or at the rate of .42 per 1,000 of the
population.
38 belonged to Mile End, or at the rate of .32 per 1,000 of the
population.