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9
Whooping Cough has been much in evidence throughout
the year; the cases were exceptionally severe and persistent
and wTere often accompanied by Bronchitis.
A number of cases of Chickenpox occurred in the Spring
and again in the Autumn; most of these were of a mild type.
There was no case of Measles.
Mumps 3.
Several cases of swollen glands, sore throats, Impetigo,
&c., were reported. Seven Scarlet-fever contacts were
examined and reported on; and in connection with these other
suspicious cases were kept under observation.
This work of the Health Visitors is a most important
factor, operating in a number of directions, in the prevention
of disease.
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM.
Seven cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum have been notified
during the year.
As this disease is the main cause of blindness in children,
all newly born babies suffering from purulent discharge from
the eyes should be notified to the Medical Officer of Health,
so that the necessary preventive measures may be taken at
once. Any waste of time in this matter is highly dangerous.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
One hundred and one cases of Infectious Diseases were
notified during the year. They were as follows: —
Scarlet-fever 70, Diphtheria 10, Erysipelas 13, Enteric
(Typhoid) Fever 1, Ophthalmia Neonatorum 7.
There was no death from a notifiable infectious disease
during the year.
One death was caused by Whooping Cough, and one by
Influenza, neither of which disease is notifiable.
SCARLET FEVER
Seventy cases of this disease were notified during the year
as compared with 89 in 1913, 74 in 1912, and 60 in 1911.
The disease has been of an extremely mild type, and there
has been no case of death.
The disease manifested itself at various periods throughout
the year, and in November and December assumed epidemic
proportions.