London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Surbiton 1898

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Surbiton]

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There was no distinct outbreak, for they occurred
throughout the year at intervals, and were mostly
of a very mild type ; in fact for some years past
this has been the characteristic feature of scarlatina,
and the severe and malignant cases formerly
met with years ago seem to have quite disappeared.
In two instances two children in a family were
affected, one case came from the country and
shewed the rash almost directly after arrival, and
three were young adults. Five were sent to the
Hospital, and all the cases recovered. In Tolworth
the only case notified was that of a servant
at the Hospital, who contracted the disease there
and was admitted a patient.
Diphtheria.
Six cases of this disease were notified, and
two deaths. In the registered returns only one
death appears, that of a child who was admitted
to the Isolation Hospital, and who after a long
course of treatment ultimately succumbed. The
other death was one of two cases notified on the
last day of the year, belonging to the same family,
and who died on the day of notification; but as
the death was not registered until the following
day it will appear in the returns for the next year.
The sanitary arrangements of the house were not
in good order, and the greater part of the drainage
was relaid, but it is not at all certain that the
disease was due to these defects.
In connection with these cases it seems
to be necessary to again draw attention to the
fact that when the Medical attendant deems it
desirable to have a bacteriological examination
made for the purpose of diagnosis, and will
certify that the patient's family is not able to
afford the expense, it can be arranged for by
communicating with the Medical Officer of Health.
Notwithstanding that attention was drawn again
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