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16
Rubella.
This disease, known popularly as German Measles, was somewhat
prevalent during May and June. In my own practice about 50 cases
came under notice. The nature of this complaint is yet very
doubtful, but beyond the facts that it is very infectious, the illness is
only slight, and in the majority of cases fever is entirely absent; and
that the rash presents some of the characteristics of Scarlet Fever, and
some of Measles little is known. Cases invariably recover, and it is only
of importance that it may be confounded with Scarlet Fever.
Enteric or Typhoid Fever.
Except in Institutions only 1 case of this disease occurred in our
District; and it appeared probable that the patient in question
contracted the disease away from home. At the London County
Asylum, 9 cases occurred of which 4 proved fatal.
The outbreak was investigated by the Medical Officer to the
London County Council.
The outbreak of 5 cases in the St. Marylebone Schools did not
appear to be due to any sanitary defects existing in that Institution.
Erysipelas.
I am of opinion that this disease should be expunged from the
Schedule of Notifiable Diseases. It never assumes epidemic proportions,
except where a large number of persons suffering from wounds
are crowded together, as in the surgical wards of a large general
Hospital.
Although unquestionably contagious under these conditions the
notification of cases in a District like ours, is of no importance whatever.
Small Pox, Whooping Cough and Measles.
No outbreak of these diseases has occurred throughout the year.
The question of providing a separate Isolation Hospital and disinfecting
Station for this District is still under consideration. The
difficulty we have to contend with is to obtain a suitable site. In my
Report for last year I mentioned that the Council had entered into
negotiations for the purchase of a site at North Hyde : but for some
commercial reasons the Council did not see their way to complete the
contract. Providing, however, that a suitable site can be obtained I
have no doubt but that the Hospital will soon become an established
fact. In November the choice of three adjoining sites at Mount