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

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Walthamstow 1947

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]

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The Group Laboratory at Epping found the streptococci to be
sulphonamide sensitive and mass medication was carried out at the
Home and in the school with the help of the teaching staff.
On March 4th, (i.e., after the course of sulphonamide medication),
all staff and children were swabbed—a total of 150. The
total of swabs positive to Hemolytic Streptococci was 99, of which
no less than 54 were Group A, i.e., 35.9 per cent. The percentage
of positives in the various dormitories of the Home varied from 22.2
to 58.3.
By the time the final reports were received there was some
evidence that the epidemic was abating and, in fact, only 1 case
occurred in April, and then one each in July, August, October and
2 in November.

It is of interest to compare the incidence of Scarlet Fever in the two halves of 1946/47 over the whole Borough.

19461947
First Half-Year83112
Second Half-Year88120

Thirty-two of the cases in this outbreak occurred in the first
quarter of the year, followed by only 1, 2 and 3 cases respectively
in the remaining three-quarters.
Although all the cases were mild, there was naturally considerable
anxiety during the outbreak. Grateful acknowledgement must
be made of the help and co-operation received from Drs. Bradley
and Allison of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Marsh of the Group
Laboratory, Dr. O'Callaghan and the authorities concerned with the
Home and the school.
DIPHTHERIA
During the year 38 cases were notified for admission to Hospital
as cases of Diphtheria observation. None of these cases was confirmed
as Diphtheria. 22 cases were admitted during 1946.
No suspect or case is refused admission to hospital, as home
treatment of Diphtheria can rarely be adequate unless the disease
is extremely mild.
Antitoxin continued to be available for free issue to medical
practitioners at the Public Health Department during office hours
42