London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
West Ham 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
This page requires JavaScript
| Infectious diseases. | |
|---|---|
| (a) Measles (of whom 41 died between ,1—2 years) | 61 |
| (b) Whooping Cough | 9 |
| (c) Diphtheria (of whom 24 died between 2—5 years) | 27 |
| (d) Scarlet Fever | 9 |
| (e) Influenza | 1 |
| (f) Cerebro Spinal Meningitis | 1 |
| Pneumonia and Bronchitis | 51 |
| Tuberculosis (all forms) | 11 |
| Diarrhoea, digestive disorders, etc | 6 |
| Violence | 9 |
| Other defined diseases | 11 |
| Total | 196 |
There has been a fairly satisfactory response at the Infant
Welfare Centres to the propaganda for immunisation against
Diphtheria, but there is still amongst the parents much apathy and
lack of desire to understand the meaning and methods of this form
of protective treatment. Unfortunately also, many applications
are received only when the child has been recently exposed to the
disease. Intensive propaganda at the Clinics and in the homes by
the Health Visitors is gradually overcoming the existing prejudice.
Maternal Mortality.
During 1934 nine deaths occurred directly attributable to
diseases of pregnancy or connected with childbirth, giving a
maternal mortality rate of 2.01, the rate for England and Wales
being 4.41.
Of these nine deaths, 4 were due to Sepsis, and 5 from other
causes in consequence of pregnancy or childbirth.
The average age of the mothers was 29.3 years.
Notified causes of death.
(a) Puerperal Sepsis.
(1) Toxaemia
Streptococcal Pneumonia
(2) General Peritonitis
Ruptured Uterus
Instrumental delivery of Obstructed labour
(3) Puerperal Septicaemia
(4) Puerperal Septicaemia
Miscarriage.
61