View report page

114
SMALLPOX.
There were more cases of Smallpox in London in 1929
than in any year since 1902, there being in all 1,905 cases.
The disease occurred in every metropolitan borough except
three—Chelsea, Fulham and Hampstead—the incidence
being heaviest in Stepney, Poplar, Shoreditch, Bethnal Green
and Southwark. In eleven boroughs there were less than
10 cases.
Five cases were notified in Woolwich, but in one instance
the diagnosis was not confirmed. Of the remaining four,
two were of the mild type generally prevalent in the Metropolis,
but the other two were of the severe type, and one of
them, an unvaccinated boy of nine years, died. His mother,
who had been vaccinated in infancy, had a modified attack.
On one occasion the Smallpox Shelter was used to house
the contacts pending disinfection of their premises.
No persons were vaccinated by the Medical Officer of
Health under the provisions of the Public Health (Smallpox
Prevention) Regulations, 1917. In every instance, vaccination
or revaccination was offered to all contacts by the local
public vaccinators.
SCARLET FEVER.
Notification. During the year 567 cases of Scarlet Fever
were notified, compared with 529 in 1928 and 478 in 1927.
The incidence amongst adults was higher than in 1928 and
there were 27 military cases. The case rates for the various
registration districts in the Borough are given in detail in