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Measles and German Measles. There was a considerable prevalence
of measles throughout London, which was shared by Deptford, the
number of cases notified amounting to 1369 (measles 1215, German
measles 154), with 30 deaths.
It was not found necessary to use any large part of the grant
allowed by the Council for the nursing of urgent cases, as the majority
of the serious cases were removed to hospital.
Tuberculosis. Two hundred and sixty six persons were notified
for the first time as suffering from tuberculosis of the lungs, and 141
as suffering from other forms of tuberculosis. Pulmonary Tuberculosis
death rate was 1.86 per 1000 against 1.55 in 1916.
In all cases notified, or in which death occurred, the premises were
at once inspected, and after death disinfection of the rooms, bedding, &c.,
were carried out. In every case of Pulmonary Tuberculosis, printed
instructions are left as to the course that should be adopted for the
prevention of Consumption. Contacts are advised to attend the Municipal
Dispensary or be examined by the family medical attendant.
Tuberculosis Dispensary.
During 1917, new cases to the number of 683 were examined at
the Dispensary. This number included 180 contacts. Of the total
number examined 246 were insured. The number of attendances
recorded by all patients was 5242.
Of the 683 new cases, 263 were found to be suffering from
Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and 49 from other forms of Tuberculosis,
chiefly glandular. 257 patients were discharged improved, 34 died,
the remainder being still under treatment. During the year 76 patients
were admitted to Sanatoria and 61 to Poor Law Institutions.
In connection with the Dispensary, the Interim Tuberculosis Care
Committee has been active throughout the year. Although at present
dealing mainly with child patients, efforts are being made to do something
for the after care of the Adult Consumptive, a problem of great
difficulty. The main obstacle is the finding of suitable employment,
and even when found, the way is not easy. Employers however keen
for labour are not disposed to give the standard wage to men obviously
unfit to do an ordinary day's work, and the men on the other hand,
decline to accept a lower wage. The problem still remains.