London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Woolwich 1915
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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registration district (not corrected for mistaken diagnosis) in the past thirteen years, compared with London and the Borough :—
| 1901-5. | 1906-10 | 1911. | 1912. | 1913 | . 1914. | 1915. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borough | 1.71 | 2.20 | 1.68 | 3.09 | 1.91 | 2.72 | 1.77 |
| Woolwich Parish | 1.63 | 2.34 | 2.40 | 4.38 | 4.43 | 4.92 | 2.23 |
| Plumstead Parish | 1.87 | 2.40 | W.l.19 | 3.79 | 2.32 | 2.36 | 1.99 |
| E. 2.33 | 2.81 | 1.02 | 2.39 | 2.87 | |||
| Eltham Parish | 1.62 | 2.22 | 2.30 | 1.71 | 1.29 | 3.33 | 0.88 |
| London | 1.90 | 1.63 | 1.64 | 1.57 | 1.70 | 2.02 | 2.01 |
The table shows that the rate in East Plumstead was the
highest for several years past, but the other parts of the
Borough had a much lower rate than any year since 1911.
41. 264 cases, or 92 per cent. of total notifications, were
removed to hospital, compared with 92, 81, 93 and 94 per
cent. in the four preceding years. A certificate of efficient
home isolation was given in 10 cases, compared with 1, 3, 12,
1 and 7 in the five preceding years.
The case.mortality was 8.3 per cent., compared with 3.4,
5.4, 5.2, 7 0 and 9.7 in the five preceding years.
12 carrier cases, with or without slight symptoms, were
discovered by your Medical Officer of Health. The usual
steps were taken.
42. Mistaken Diagnosis. 46 cases, or 15 per cent. of
notifications, were, after removal to hospital, stated to be not
diphtheria. The percentage of the four preceding years was
15, 11, 19 and 16 respectively.
43. Source of Infection. In 45 cases a probable source of
infection was noted, viz. :—In 32 other inmates of the house
were known or suspected to be the source ; in 1 school; 4
neighbours and friends ; 1 return case ; and in 7 the infection
was due to the Fever or other Hospitals.