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77
SYPHILIS.
90. There were 3 deaths from syphilis, compared with
9, 7, 10, 7, and 6, in the five preceding years. All of these
occurred in public institutions. All were males. One was an
infant under two years. There were, in addition, 30 deaths
from general paralysis, tabes dorsalis (locomotor-ataxy)
and aneurism, diseases which are considered to be usually
due to syphilis, compared with 25 in 1911. These figures are
far from representing the total mortality caused by this
disease.
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM
(Inflammation of the Eyes of the New-Born).
91. This disease was made compulsorily notifiable by
an Order of the London County Council, dated March, 1911,
which came into force on March 13th. The Order is under
Section 55, Public Health (London) Act. No other Section
of the Act is applied, so there is no requirement to disinfect
or penalty for exposure, the main object of notification being
to secure effective treatment of the infant affected. Most
cases notified are the infants of women attended in their
confinement by midwives who are inspected by the County
Council. The Borough Council Health Visitor also inspects
in all cases, and reports whether proper treatment is being
carried out. The Guardians have indicated their willingness
to facilitate immediate removal to the Infirmary when satisfactory
home treatment was impracticable. 20 cases were
notified, of which 1 was removed with the mother to the
Infirmary, and 3 were treated as hospital out-patients. The
others were all reported to be receiving effectual treatment
at home. The district nurses visited 2. In 4 cases the
ophthalmia was clearly due to venereal disease in the parents.