London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Sutton and Cheam 1949

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton and Cheam]

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4. At the Clinic, St. Oswald's Hall, Brocks Drive, North
Cheam. The second and fourth Tuesday in each month,
at 1.30 p.m.
5. At the Clinic, Parochial Rooms, The Broadway, Cheam.
The first Wednesday in each month, at 2 p.m.
6. At the Clinic, Jubilee Institute, Maiden Green, Worcester
Park. The first Monday in each month; at 1.30 p.m.
Measles. A rise in the incidence of Measles in December,
1948, continued in 1949, reaching a peak in April, and thereafter
declining slowly towards quiescence at the end of the
year. Three hundred and sixty-seven cases were notified in
1949, compared with eight hundred and ninety-four cases in
1948. Eleven cases were admitted to hospital complicated by
Bronchitis or Broncho Pneumonia. There was no death. The
case rate was 4.52 per 1,000 of population, compared with
8.95 per 1,000 of population for England and Wales.

The monthly distribution of cases is shown in the following table:—

Jan.Feb.MarchAprilMayJuneTulyAug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.Total
36334785383649199762367

Measles is caused by a virus, and is a serious infection for
which no specific drug has yet been discovered. The danger of
complications by secondary infections has been reduced by the
use of Sulphonamides and Penicillin, but the need for careful
nursing and careful convalescence continues. Infection is most
potent during the early catarrhal phase for three or four days
before the rash develops. Spread of infection is most often
due to a failure to recognise this early phase during which
the child has catarrh of the nose, throat and eyes, and is
miserable and disinclined for food or play. The temperature
is raised, and the judicious use of a thermometer at this stage
may help the mother to decide to restrain the child from
contact with other children until diagnosis is confirmed by
the appearance of the rash. Medical advice should be sought
so as to avoid complications.
Information of notifications of children under five years
of age is sent to Health Visitors in order that advice may be
given where necessary. A leaflet of advice is sent to the
home of every notified case.
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