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
Carshalton 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Carshalton]
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Details are as follows:
| Case | Sex | Age | Date of Onset | Resultant Disability (July, 1953) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M | 8 yrs. | Unknown | Weakness of muscles of back and neck. |
| 2 | F | 34 yrs. | 28th April | Extensive paralysis. Died after 8 days. |
| 3 | M | 20 yrs. | 5th May | Very slight weakness of left foot. |
| 4 | M | 26 yrs. | 21st May | Marked weakness of left leg. Walks with sticks. |
| 5 | F | 4 yrs. | 24th May | Weakness of left leg. Walks with sticks. |
| 6 | F | 6 yrs. | 24th July | Very slight weakness of right leg. Needs no appliance. |
| 7 | F | 6 yrs. | 3rd Aug. | Slight weakness of back and left leg. Walks well with a stick. |
| 8 | M | 16 yrs. | 13th Aug. | Non-paralytic. Complete recovery. |
| 9 | M | 6 yrs. | 17th Sept. | Non-paralytic. Complete recovery. |
| 10 | M | l0½mths. | 23rd Sept. | Very slight weakness of right leg. |
| 11 | F | 30 yrs. | 13th Oct. | Weakness of right leg below the knee. |
| 12 | M | 19 yrs. | 28th Oct. | Very slight weakness of right shoulder. Engages in normal activities. |
| 13 | M | 26 yrs. | 2nd Nov. | Marked weakness of left leg. Wears appliance and walks with a stick. |
| 14 | F | 6 yrs. | 20th Nov. | Widespread weakness involving most of the body.. Still in hospital eight months later. |
Although the number of cases was only one less than in 1947 the
fatality rate was much lower. One patient out of 14 died in 1952 as
against 5 out of 15 in 1947.
The cases were scattered throughout the district except for 4 which
were grouped in part of the St. Helier South Ward, but were spread, in
point of time over May, August, and September.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
Two cases were notified. Both were moderately severe infections,
but completely recovered after hospital treatment.
51