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65
From the five-yearly average it will be seen that there is a
definite decline in the Measles mortality rate—a finding in close
agreement with that of other areas for which statistics have been
published.
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. Seven such
donors were forthcoming in 1936. The serum was prepared at
Great Ormond Street Hospital, one-half being earmarked for use
in respect of Walthamstow patients.
It is gratifying to record the great help received from the
private practitioners of the town in persuading the adult convalescents
to act as donors. The donors have the satisfaction of
having performed a great public service.
A total of 1,300 c.c.s of serum was obtained from the seven
donors, and of this amount 150 c.c.s were used for Walthamstow
patients, principally in preventing cross infection in the wards of
the Connaught and Whipps Cross Hospitals and at the Sanatorium.
Reports were returned in respect of 16 cases for which serum
had been used. In five of these an attenuated attack was aimed
at in order to confer permanent immunity, and this was achieved
in 4 cases. In the remaining 11 cases complete protection was
aimed at and obtained in 3 cases. Mild attacks resulted in 5 cases
and severe attacks in 3 cases. It is possible that complete protection
was not obtained in a larger number of cases owing to the
serum not having been given sufficiently early.
PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS.
No action was necessary under Section 66 of the Public Health
(Amendment) Act, 1925, for the prevention of blindness or the
treatment of persons suffering from any disease of, or injury to,
the eyes.
TUBERCULOSIS.
The following table shows particulars of new cases of
Tuberculosis and of all deaths from the disease in the Borough
during 1936:—