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BOROUGH INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL.
Dr. Palmer's observations are contained in the following report
upon the work of the Hospitals-
PREFACE.
One hundred and eighty-two patients were admitted to the
Isolation Ward, Harts Sanatorium, during 1941, this being an increase
of 21 over the previous year, when 161 admissions constituted the
lowest number on record.
The number of deaths from all causes was 8, giving a mortality
rate of 4.39% as compared with 4.34% for the preceding year.
A perusal of the correctod Table of Admissions and Discharges
will reveal that there was a definite increase of scabies and
impetigo in the cases admitted. This was found to be the case all
ever the country and with regard to scabies, this disease has now
become so widespread that compulsory notification, similar to that
of measles and whooping cough, has been advocated for the duration
of the war. Various administrative difficulties make this proposal
impracticable at present.
Formerly the chief method of treatment of scabies was by
sulphur ointment and baths. Recently new methods have been introduced
and in the Hospital excellent results are now obtained by the
application of Benzyl Bonzoate. Derris Root or Rotenone has also
been tried but the results with this preparation have not been so
spectacular, although in early cases it is undoubtedly of value.
Whether it be sulphur or the newer preparations, the fact remains
that there is no easy and magical method of cure. The treatment
must be carried out with care and thoroughness on the part of the
nursing staff to obtain good and speedy results.
It is encouraging to note that the cases of diphtheria aro
still decreasing. Four children with a history of immunisation
developed diphtheria, but all four recovered. When diphtheria
does occur in an immunised person, it tends to be of a mild
character.
For the seventh successive year there were no deaths from
scarlet fever. Sulphonamide therapy continues to be used as a
routine method and only the more severe cases now receive serum.
It is interesting to note that during 1940 no cases of
whooping cough came into the Hospital, whereas in 1941 30 cases were
admitted. I would particularly draw attention to the importance of
whooping cough, especially with regard to its chief complication,
broncho pneumonia. The presence of pneumonia always makes the outlook
unfavourable and the younger the child the more grave does the
prognosis become. This is well shown in the 4 deaths that occurred
out of 20 cases of whooping cough with broncho pneumonia - all 4
cases were under one year of age. Unfortunately there is no
reliable method of immunisation against v/hooping cough comparable
to the prevention that can be obtained against diphtheria. The
results obtained so far with various vaccines and antigens, while
encouraging on the whole, have at times been rathor conflicting,
and it is hoped that out of the research work going on at present
some reliable form of prophylactic against this serious disease of
infancy and childhood will be evolved.
Chemotherapy continues to play an important part in the
treatment of infectious diseases.
10.