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83
Some of the hitherto dreaded diseases have, as previously
mentioned, been practically extinguished, whilst other diseases
which remain have assumed a milder form than they had formerly.
In reviewing the progress made over the past 30 years it is not
possible to give accurate comparisons relating to the various
diseases in all cases as in some instances diseases now notifiable
were not notifiable when I took over office, whilst other diseases
have been made notifiable only intermittently as a result of conditions
justifying such action, so that in respect of some diseases
the deaths provide the only means of comparison.
On several occasions it has been necessary to make investigations
in connection with notified cases of Anthrax which had
occurred elsewhere and which were thought to have resulted from
materials manufactured in Hackney. It was as the result of some
cases occurring in Great Britain that the Anthrax Prevention
(Shaving Brushes) Order, 1920 was issued.
A method for the disinfection of horsehair and bristles was
recommended in Circular 252 of the Ministry of Health of 19th
October, 1921, and local authorities were asked to carry out disinfection
according to these methods. Between the years 1920 and
1950 there occurred in the borough only one case of anthrax. This
case, which was notified in 1921, was due to infection incurred in
Bermondsey by a man engaged in transferring East Indian hides
from water to the lime pits. The care taken in the examination
of materials from overseas at the ports of entry, as well as the
regulations for disposing of infected animals, has made this condition
(sometimes called Malignant Pustule or Wool Sorters'
Disease in man) very infrequent.
Four cases of Leprosy have occurred in the borough during
my term of office, the last occurring this year. All of them were,
of course, imported from abroad since this disease, formerly
common enough in the British Isles, is now always imported from
abroad when it occurs here. The Chief Medical Officer of the
Ministry of Health, in his 1949 report states that the leprosy
problem in this country is a small one but, nevertheless, one of
some importance. Although each year sees two or three cases
brought to light there is no evidence that any spread of the disease
has occurred in this country from persons infected abroad. Of the
four cases of leprosy in Hackney the first two cases were husband
and wife, the third case occurred in 1935 and the fourth case in
1950. The only other case of which I have personal knowledge
occurred in Greenwich before I came to Hackney, and I remember
that the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Annis, recommended
notification of the disease which, however, was for many reasons
considered undesirable by the Ministry of Health.