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
Heston and Isleworth 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Heston and Isleworth]
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Infectious Diseases
Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria.—There were 5 "return" cases of Scarlet Fever and
none of Diphtheria during the year. The usual period allowed when speaking of a "Return
Case" is 28 days after the return home of a case from Hospital, or 28 days after the release of a
case from isolation at home.
No cases of Diphtheria were notified from the North Hyde School during the year.
Use is made of the Dick reaction in connection with query cases of Scarlet Fever at South
Middlesex Fever Hospital. Scarlet Fever serum is used in nearly all cases at the hospital.
The Staff of South Middlesex Fever Hospital is Schick tested and immunised.
| No. of civil cases notified | 242 |
| No. of civil cases removed to Hospitals | 211 |
| Percentage of cases removed to Hospitals | 87.19 |
| The incident rate of Scarlet Fever in the civil population (99,420) was 2.43 per There was one death from this cause during the year. | 1,000. |
| No. of civil cases notified | 18 |
| No. of civil cases removed to Hospitals | 17 |
| Percentage of cases removed to Hospitals | 94.4 |
The incidence of Diphtheria in the District compares with the rest of the County as follows :—
| Rates per 1,000 of Population. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cases. | Deaths. | |
| 125 County Boroughs and Great Towns including London | 1.81 | 0.08 |
| England and Wales | 1.49 | 0.07 |
| 148 Smaller Towns | 1.38 | 0.05 |
| London Administrative County | 1.93 | 0.05 |
It is interesting to record that the total number of cases of Diphtheria notified this year
was even lower than last year's figure of 21, and was the lowest since 1895, i.e., over a period
of 42 years, during which time the population has increased by roughly 75,000.
The incidence of Diphtheria in the District compares with the rest of the County as
follows :—
Rates per 1,000 of Population.
Cases.
Deaths.
125 County Boroughs and Great Towns including London
1.81
0.08
England and Wales
1.49
0.07
148 Smaller Towns
1.38
0.05
London Administrative County
1.93
0.05
Heston and Isleworth
0.18
0.01
37