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71
Enteric Fever.
There were no cases notified during the year.
Dysentery.
One case was notified, removed to Mogden, and two days later
transferred to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington.
Erysipelas.
20 cases of this disease were notified, of whom 10 were West
Middlesex Hospital cases.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
See pages 158—161.
Puerperal Fever.
3 cases of this disease were notified, 1 was an institution case.
Like some of one's professional brethern one has wondered
whether better results for the parturient woman might not be
arrived at if something could be done other than notifying cases
of Puerperal Fever. True that when a case is notified it starts in
train the machinery for the suspension if necessary of the midwife,
and the disinfection of utensils, instruments and garments, but as
a rule by this time the damage is done to the unfortunate mother.
There is I am convinced a very real reluctance on the part of
any practitioner to notify a case of his own as one of Puerperal
Fever, as it thereby implies that something which he may have done
has been responsible for the infection, whereas he is often called in
by a midwife, or there has been a midwife or nurse in attendance
who has been the cause or agent, and yet his name has to be put to
the notification and to bear the brunt of any odium which may be
attached to the notification.