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 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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86
Encephalitis Lethargica.
No case was notified during the year. Three deaths were certified as due to
this disease.
Smallpox.
There were no cases of smallpox.
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis.
Six cases were notified, compared with 10 in 1937 and 15 in 1936. There
was one military case. All the cases were removed to hospital. Details of each
are given in the following Table No. 44.
TABLE No. 44. Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis, 1938.
| No. | Date Notified. | Sex. | Age. | Ultimate Diagnosis. | Remarks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21/3/38 | M. | 29 | Cerebro-spinal Meningitis | — |
| 2 | 16/6/38 | M. | 18 | Cerebro-spinal Meningitis | Military case. |
| 3 | 22/10/38 | F. | 1/12 | Cerebro-spinal Meningitis | — |
| 4 | 3/11/38 | F. | 5 | Pneumococcal Meningitis | Died 7/11/38 |
| 5 | 14/11/38 | M. | 8/12 | Pneumococcal Meningitis | Died 16/11/38 |
| 6 | 5/12/38 | M. | 54 | Chronic Mastoiditis | Died 4/12/38. |
Whooping Cough.
Prior to the 1st October this disease was not notifiable in the Borough, and
the two main sources of our knowledge of its incidence were through the School
Medical Services and the health visitors. Occasionally, however, information
came to us through the local nursing associations and through parents.
During the year 45 cases of whooping cough came to the knowledge of the
Department, compared with 249 in 1937 and 452 in 1936. The number notified
from the 1st October, was 35.
Nursing.—One case was nursed under the Council's scheme, 47 visits in all
being paid. The cost of this service was £27s. 0d.
Deaths.—There was one death, compared with 5 in 1937.