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To the Mayor, Aldermen, and Councillors of the
Borough of Sutton and Cheam.
Mr. Mayor, Madam, and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the fourth
Annual Report on the health of the Borough of Sutton
and Cheam.
The standard of health of the community during the
year 1937 was good. The general incidence of
infectious diseases was lower. There was a substantial
decline in the prevalence of Scarlet Fever. The
number of cases of Diphtheria was reduced, but
included a small proportion of a virulent type. An
epidemic of Influenza, which was continued into the
first quarter of the year, was generally of a mild
type, but reacted unfavourably on the weakly and aged.
In November the district was involved in a widespread
outbreak of mild Dysentery.
The water supply of the district maintained a satisfactory
standard of chemical and bacteriological purity
throughout the year. Efficient control by daily
sampling and protective chlorination was carried out.
The death rate of 9.5 per 1,000 of population was
lower than in 1936, and the birth rate was lower at
155 per 1,000 of population. The maternal and
infantile mortality rates were higher.
The sanitary circumstances of the area were satisfactory,
and the sanitary work was efficiently carried
out under the direction of the Sanitary Inspector (Mr.
C. W. Newbery).
I wish to express my thanks to members of the
Council for their helpful advice during the year, and
my appreciation of the co-operation of officers of the
Council and of the medical practitioners of the
Borough.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Madam, and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
ENEAS J. MACINTYRE,
Medical Officer of Health.
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