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
Hackney 1925
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hackney]
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The following table shows the distribution of diphtheria in the respective Sub-districts of the Borough:—
| Sub-Districts. | North. | Central. | South-west. | South-east. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of cases of Diphtheria and Membranous Croup | 116 | 172 | 127 | 251 |
| Attack-rate per 1,000 living | 2.0 | 3.1 | 2.1 | 4.3 |
From the above it will be seen that diphtheria was most
acute in the South-East Sub-district.
The deaths from diphtheria and membranous croup during
the year numbered 80. This mortality is equal to a death-rate
of 4.5 per cent. attacked and 0.13 per 1,000 inhabitants, as compared
with a death-rate of 6.2 per cent. attacked, and 0.15 per
1,000 inhabitants for the previous year.
The death-rate from diphtheria for London during the same
period is 0.11 per 1,000 inhabitants.
During the year 1,278 swabbings from throats of persons
suspected to be suffering from diphtheria were bacteriologically
examined, of which 158 gave positive results, .1,100 negative
results, and 20 were returned as doubtful.
Diphtheria Anti-toxin.—In accordance with the Anti-toxin
Order of 1910, a supply of diphtheria anti-toxin was provided
during the. year, and issued as required to medical practitioners
applying for it in cases of diphtheria or suspected cases of
diphtheria amongst the poorer inhabitants of the Borough.
During the year 139 bottles of anti-toxin of 8,000 units each
were supplied to medical practitioners, most of which was used
for prophylactic purposes.