London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Walthamstow 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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53
SCARLET FEVER
A total of 188 cases of Scarlet Fever was notified during 1948
as compared with 232 in 1947.
The incidence by months and Wards is given below:—
| January | 27 | July | 20 |
| February | 16 | August | 12 |
| March | 13 | September | 5 |
| April | 13 | October | 15 |
| May | 18 | November | 14 |
| June | December | 15 | |
| Total | 188 | ||
| St. James Street | 30 | ||
| High Street | 23 | ||
| Hoe Street | 31 | ||
| Wood Street | 27 | ||
| Hale End | 38 | ||
| Higham Hill | 39 | ||
Scarlet Fever is far better nursed at home unless conditions
preclude this being done.
The last fatal case of Scarlet Fever occurred in 1936, since
when, up to the end of 1948, there have been 3,338 non-fatal cases.
DIPHTHERIA
During the year there were 34 cases notified for admission to
Hospital as cases of Diphtheria observation. Only one of these
cases was confirmed as Diphtheria.
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
and at all times at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, and the Fire
Station, Forest Road.
There were 2 cases notified during the year, only one of which was confirmed.
| Sex | Age | Ward | Removed to Hospital | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 36 | H. E. | Yes Carrier only. | Case not confirmed. |
| M | 8 | H. E. | Yes Recovered. |