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86
In July I was informed by the Ministry of Health that several cases of
typhoid fever had occurred in a neighbouring Borough which had resulted in
1 death.
These cases had apparently occurred as a result of a visit to a holiday
camp by members of a certain Social Club whose headquarters were in Stepney.
I immediately found touch with the Secretary of the Club and obtained
from him a list of all the members and their friends who had visited that
particular camp. The names of those living out of Stepney were sent to the
Medical Officers of Health concerned for their necessary action. So far as
Stepney was concerned only 2 showed or had shown any sign of ill-health and
in each case the ill health was indefinite. Widal tests with negative results
Were done on both cases and in one case a bacteriological examination of the
faeces was made, also with negative result.
It was apparently proved that the above cases of typhoid fever had drunk
the water from a river near the camp and this water is definitely considered to
be the source of infection.
I have purposely reported this at fair length because I want to issue a
definite and grave warning to all who participate in that wonderfully healthy
recreation of camping and hiking. Under no circumstances whatever should
they drink water from any stream, river and lake or from any other source
which is not recognised as definitely drinking water.
If no other source is available the water should be kept at boiling point
for several minutes before it can be considered to be safe. This rule should
also be adopted for water to be used for washing-up and for cleaning of teeth.
There were 23 actual cases of Small Pox during the year, or 3 less than
in the previous year:—
11 belonged to Limehouse, 4 to St. George-in-the-East and 8
to Mile End Old Town.
No cases of acute poliomyelitis were notified during the year.
3 cases occurred during the year. 1 belonged to Mile End Old Town
and 2 to Whitechapel. Of the latter 2 cases one was notified after death, the
onset being 14 years previous when residing elsewhere,—the case had never
been previously notified.
The death-rate for the whole Borough was .009 per 1,000 of the population.
Small Pox.
Acute
Poliomyelitis.
Encephalitis
Lethargica.