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 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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44
Vaccination has now become an 'area' service and is referred
to separately under that section.
SCARLET FEVER
A total of 182 cases of Scarlet Fever was notified during 1949
as compared with 188 in 1948.
The incidence by months and Wards is given below :—
January 9 July 14
February 11 August 7
March 6 September 9
April 6 October 20
May 10 November 41
June 9 December 40
Total 182
St. James Street 31
High Street 30
Hoe Street 34
Wood Street 13
Hale End 28
Higham Hill 46
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 1949, there have been 3,520 non-fatal cases.
DIPHTHERIA
During 1949, 20 cases were removed to hospital for diphtheria
observation. No case was confirmed.
Seven cases were notified during the year but in two, the diagnosis was not confirmed. The following table gives particulars of the confirmed cases :—
| Initials | Sex | Age | Ward | Date Notified | Remarks | Phage Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.S. | M | 14 yrs. | W | 20.7.49 | Paratyphoid B | 3a.1 |
| C.S. | M | 34 yrs. | W | 29.7.49 | Do. | 3a.1 |
| H.W. | F | 13 yrs. | HI | 20.7.49 | Do. | 3a/l |
| J.A. | F | 26 yrs. | HH | 28.9.49 | Do. | |
| C.F. | M | 22 yrs. | HI | 20.12.49 | Typhoid | E.l |
With regard to the first three cases notified in July, all of
whom were of phage type 3a. 1, two were father and son, and
although the father had experienced mild symptoms some little
time previously he was symptomless when his son was notified.
Both had stayed at a bungalow at an Estuary in Essex but in spite
of the fullest investigations no source of infection was discovered.