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95
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.
In February, 1914, the Local Government Board issued an
Order imposing the duty of notification on certified midwives
who are to be paid 1s. for each notification. 5s. was paid
under the Order last year.
There is no requirement to disinfect or penalty for exposure,
the object of notification being to secure effective
treatment of the infant affected. The Borough Council
Health Visitor inspects in all cases, and reports where proper
steps are being taken 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 Guardians have indicated their
willingness to facilitate immediate removal to the Infirmary
when satisfactory home treatment is impracticable. 18 cases
were notified, compared with 14 in 1913. One was removed
with the mother to the Infirmary, and 3 were treated as
hospital out-patients. The others were all reported to be
reoeiving effectual treatment at home. The district nurses
visited 4.
METEOROLOGY
(See Table 8).
92. The average temperature in the winter quarter of
the year was 42.7; 9 weeks had an average temperature
above the normal, and 4 below. The spring quarter had a
temperature somewhat above the average; the summer quarter
was very dry; its average temperature was 60.7° F., which