London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Walthamstow 1935

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]

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68
FOOD POISONING.
One death occurred in a male aged 59 years who had
been admitted to Hospital for suspected food poisoning after
a stay at a seaside resort at which full enquiries were made,
but the source of infection could not be traced.
The coroner's verdict following a post-mortem was that
death was due to acute gastro-enteritis, from food poisoning
resulting from an organism of the Salmonella group.
MEASLES.
Under the Walthamstow (Measles) Regulations, 1932, all
cases of Measles in children under five years of age are
notifiable, except secondary cases in the same household or
institution within two months of the primary case.
The year 1935 was a non-epidemic year, the number of
notifications being: 27 against 870 in 1934 (an epidemic year).

In addition, there were 236 cases of Measles reported by Head Teachers, and mainly in school children of 5-14 years.

Month.Total.Under 1 yr.1-5 yrs.St. James' St.High St.Hoe St.Wood St.Hale End.Higham Hill.
January1-1-----1
February11-----1
March---------
April1-1---1
May31211-1
June3-3-1--2
July7-7-21-4
August2-2-1-1
September1-1---1
October11-1-
November3121---11
December441-2
Totals1935274232621115
193487048822182108100110130240

Measles Serum.—The arrangements detailed in the report
for 1932 were continued. Local practitioners were asked to
notify the names of any healthy adults convalescent after
Measles, and willing to give blood for the preparation of
serum. None were available in 1935, but eight such donors were
forthcoming in 1936. The serum was prepared at Great
Ormond Street Hospital, one-half being earmarked for use in
Walthamstow patients.
It is gratifying to record the great help received from
the private practitioners of the town in persuading adult
convalescents to act as donors. The donors have the satisfaction
of having performed a great public service.