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19
Prevalence of and Control over Infectious
Disease.
Table V. gives the number of cases of infectious
diseases notified to the Medical Officer of Health during
the 52 weeks ended December 31st, 1921.
Smallpox.—No cases of smallpox have been notified
in Fulham since 1916. Only two cases occurred in
London during 1921.
Scarlet Fever.—The incidence of this disease was
again much above the average, 961 cases being notified,
the highest number hitherto recorded. The fatality was
also higher than in 1920, the 15 deaths representing a
case mortality of 1.6 per cent, against 1.o per cent. in that
year.
Diphtheria.-—The exceptional prevalence of diphtheria
shown in 1920 continued in 1921, and 579 cases were
notified against 623 in the previous year.
The 43 deaths due to the disease represent a case
mortality of 7.3 per cent., or the same as in 1920.
Enteric Fever.—Only seven cases were notified against
25 in 1920, and there was one death.
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis.— Four cases were notified,
and there was one death.
Encephalitis Lethargica.—7 cases were notified and 2
deaths were attributed to the disease.
Pneumonia.—215 cases of pneumonia were notified,
and of these 85 were notified after admission to the
Fulham Infirmary by the Medical Superintendent. As
146 deaths were ascribed to pneumonia, it is evident that
a considerable proportion of the cases was not notified.
Nursing assistance was provided by the Council when
needed.
Tuberculosis.—360 new cases, 286 of pulmonary tuberculosis
and 74 of non-pulmonary tuberculosis, were
notified, and a summary of all the notifications received
is given in the subjoined table.