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13
Number of oases of diphtheria in Goodmayes
Ward
Number of cases of diphtheria in remainder
of Ilford
October, 1929,
to
February, 1930.
160
124
October, 1930,
to
February, 1931
22
129
Although there are other epidemiological factors which must
be taken into account, the effect of immunisation by providing a
mass of insusceptible children in the area in question has
undoubtedly been a considerable agent in producing the results
achieved. In this connection I would again point out that no
cases of scarlet fever or diphtheria occurred during the year among
the staff at the Isolation Hospital. The effects of modern methods
and our advance in the knowledge of infectious diseases are also
shown in connection with the treatment of scarlet fever.
I pointed out last year that in 1909 the average stay in hospital
of scarlet fever patients was 44 days. In 1929 it was 31.3 days,
while last year it was 29.1 days. All cases of scarlet fever are now
treated with anti-scarlatinal serum, with the result that uncomplicated
cases can be discharged with safety within three weeks of
admission, and it will be seen from the table in the Report that
the return case-rate from the Isolation Hospital was less than that
from cases nursed at home.
I was also able to employ the advance in our knowledge of
scarlet fever at a local hospital when in December two cases of
scarlet fever arose in the children's ward of the hospital. It was
found that two patients and two of the nursing staff were
"carriers " of scarlet fever organisms, and on these being removed
and isolated, no further cases arose in the hospital.
The Local Government Act, 1929, has enabled the Ilford
Council to become the local supervising authority under the
Mid wives Acts. I have pointed out in many previous reports the
advantage which would be gained by this work being done locally.
The operation of the Local Government Act also transferred the
supervision of foster children to this authority. The supervision
of nursing homes was also transferred to this Council by direction
of the Ministry of Health.
It is hardly necessary for me to point out that much of the
efficiency of the health services of a district depends on the centre