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
East Ham 1909
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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The death-rate from Diphtheria was equal to 0.16 per
1,000 of Population, compared with 0.45 during the previous
year. The rate for England and Wales was 0.14, and the
average rate for the 76 Great Towns was 0.15 per 1,000 of
Population.
The following Table gives the number of cases notified, the attack rate per 1,000 of population, and the mortality per cent, during the past five years:—
| Year. | Population. | Cases Notified. | Attack rate per 1,000 of Population. | Mortality per 100 Cases notified. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1905 | 123,381 | 290 | 2.35 | 13.10 |
| 1906 | 129,886 | 249 | 1.90 | 10.88 |
| 1907 | 136,421 | 376 | 2.75 | 11.17 |
| 1908 | 142,976 | 456 | 14.25 | |
| 1909 | 149,576 | 271 | 1.18 | 8.86 |
During the past year, at the request of the Local Government
Board, a special report was prepared on the prevalance of
Diphtheria in the Borough, together with an account of the
preventive measures taken in connection with this disease.
For purpose of reference a copy of this report is here given:—
REPORT ON THE PREVALENCE OF DIPHTHERIA
IN THE BOROUGH.
In accordance with the request of the Local Government
Board as expressed in their letter of the 18th June, I beg to
present the following report on the prevalence of Diphtheria
in the Borough during the past few years, together with an
account of the various measures undertaken to control the
spread of this disease.
Diphtheria in England and Wales.
Before discussing the probable cause or causes influencing
the prevalence of this disease, it must be stated that Diphtheria,
like Measles and many other infectious diseases, has a cyclical