View report page

7
Measles, chicken-pox and whooping cough have occurred similarly, the
latter shewing an increase during the last month of the year. A few cases of
mumps occurred.
Encephalitis Lethargica or "sleepy sickness" at one time appeared to
threaten an outbreak. The incidence of the disease had increased during the
early months of the year in the northern part of England and in the spring
months in London. The first case in Edmonton was notified in March, and
altogether eight cases were notified, of whom three were school children.
I have since seen another child whose complaint was not recognised at the
time, but in whom the after effects were conspicuous.
Fortunately the disease as an outbreak did not last long, but sporadic
cases have been occurring in the country and in London ever since.
The mortality from the disease varies, but is heavy, while its sequaelae,
affecting mind and body, are often most distressing.
Although a notifiable infectious disease, the source of the infection is
usually impossible to trace ; no apparent relationship existed between any of
the cases notified.
Contacts of the sufferer living in the same house are excluded from school
for three weeks.
Scarlet Fever.—Of 148 cases notified, 80 or 54 per cent, occurred in
children of school age. During the summer holidays some mild cases
occurred, and several children were discovered desquamating whilst attending
school later. They apparently caused no spread of the complaint amongst
their companions.
School contacts are seen by me at the Town Hall and are excluded for a
fortnight; the patient is seen by me after discharge from the hospital and is
returned to school on my certificate.
I should like to see all elder contacts returned promptly to school and for
them to report to the Head Teacher every morning, and the Doctor at the Clinic
every other day for a fortnight. It would be interesting to do this where the
Heads are willing to co-operate, and carefully note results.