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Bethnal Green, Stepney, Shoreditch, Poplar, Hackney and Camberwell, in that
order. In 12 Boroughs there were less than 20 cases.
Ten cases were notified in Woolwich, and in every instance the diagnosis was
confirmed. There were no deaths. The Smallpox Shelter was in use during the
year.
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.
Chicken Pox.
In consequence of a letter received from the Ministry of Health, drawing
attention to the recent increase in the cases of Smallpox in London, the Council,
with the approval of the Ministry of Health, resolved to make Chicken Pox notifiable
from the 1st April, and from that date to the end of the year 597 notifications
were received.
Pneumonia.
The incidence of Pneumonia was much lower than in 1929, 283 cases being
notified, compared with 383 in that year. There was an increase in the case
mortality rate as 101 deaths were certified as due to Lobar or Broncho Pneumonia,
compared with 119 in 1929, but on the other hand the deaths from Acute Influenzal
Pneumonia fell from 49 to 7.
Anti-Pneumococcal Serum.—During the year the Council provided, free of
charge, anti-pneumococcal serum for the treatment of persons suffering from
Pneumonia, to those medical practitioners who considered this form of treatment
suitable. In all 2,580 c.c. were used at a total cost to the Council of £41 9s. 9d.
The treatment of Lobar Pneumonia by this means is receiving a considerable
amount of attention, both in this country and in America, and there appears to
be little doubt that in a considerable number of cases it shortens the period of
illness, Limits its severity and diminishes the case mortality rate.
Cursing.—Nursing assistance is provided by the Council for cases of Pneumonia,
and during the year 33 cases were nursed, 547 visits being paid by the nurses of
the local nursing associations. The total cost of this service to the Council was
£34 3s. 9d.
The following Table, No. 59, shows the distribution of Pneumonia in each
ward of the Borough, classified according to the type of Pneumonia shown on the
notification certificate:—