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To the Mayor, Aldermen, and Councillors of the
Borough of Sutton and Cheam.
Mr. Mayor, Madam, and Gentlemen,
1 have the honour to present to you the sixth
Annual Report on the health of the Borough of Sutton
and Cheam.
The standard of health of the community during
1939 was good. The general prevalence of infectious
diseases remained low. The incidence of Scarlet Fever
and of Diphtheria was unchanged. Enteric infections
were few. Influenza was epidemic during the first
quarter of the year, and cases of pneumonia were consequently
increased.
The water supply of the district maintained a high
standard of chemical and bacteriological purity. Effective
control by daily sampling and by protective
chlorination was continued.
The death rate at 9.5 per 1,000 of population was.
slightly higher. The birth rate at 14.7 per 1,000 of
population was lower. 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 Chief Sanitary Inspector
(Mr. C. W. Newbery).
As this Report is being presented at a time when
the life of the community has become adjusted to war
conditions, I would emphasise the need for the
co-operation of all in the prevention of the spread of
infectious, diseases, and advise all parents to secure
the immunisation of their children against Diphtheria.
I thank members and officers of the Council for their
assistance during the year, and express my appreciation
and thanks to the large number of A.R.P. personnel
who have steadfastly served at First Aid Posts,
Mobile Units and at Ambulance and Stretcher Partv
Depots. I am,
Mr. Mayor, Madam, and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
ENEAS J. MACINTYRE,
Medical Officer of Health.
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