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 1950
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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46
MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION
Five cases were notified, the particulars being as follows :—
| Sex | Age | Ward | Hospital | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | F. | 13/12 yrs. | Wood St. | Yes | Died few hours after admission. Post Mortem. |
| 2. | M. | 9/12 yrs. | St. James St. | Yes | Recovered. |
| 3. | F. | 22 yrs. | Hoe St. | Yes | Died (T.B. Patient). |
| 4. | F. | 24 yrs. | High St. | Yes | Recovered. |
| 5. | M. | 5 yrs. | High St. | Yes | Recovered. |
ACUTE ANTERIOR POLIOMYELITIS
During 1950, a total of 13 confirmed paralytic cases was
notified against 18 in 1949. Thus after a very low incidence since
1937, there has been a much increased prevalence during the years
1947 (24), 1949 (18), and now thirteen in 1950.
The maximum incidence in 1950 was as for the three previous years, during the summer months July to October, i.e.,
| Year | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 22 |
| 1948 | — | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1949 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 17 |
| 1950 | 2 | 6 | 3 | — | 11 |
| Total | 6 | 20 | 13 | 12 | 51 |
These 51 cases were out of a total of 59 notified cases during
the four years.
The first four cases in 1950 were from the St. James' St. Ward,
but of these, two had their onset in 1949, the other two following
in June and July. The remaining cases in August and September
were : High Street, 1 ; Hoe Street, 2 ; Wood Street, 3 ; Hale End, 3,
and none in the Higham Hill ward.
During 1950 a follow-up of all known cases notified in previous
years was carried out and a form of questionnaire was completed
noting present health, degree of remaining disability, ability to work
and nature of work, to use public transport, and the general
domestic circumstances. Advisability of registration as a disabled
person was stressed, and attention was drawn to the activities of the
local branch of the Infantile Paralysis Fellowship. The results of
the survey are given in Section G of the Report (Care and
After-Care).