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113
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
All homes are visited by a Sanitary Inspector and an Enquiry
Officer, the possible source of infection is investigated and arrangements
for admission to hospital are made, together with the admission of
contacts to the Reception House, if necessary.
SMALLPOX.
During the year under review 63 cases were notified. The number
of cases notified during the last five years is as follows :—
1929
153
1932
161
1930
106
1933
63
1931
31
Mild Smallpox still smoulders in London, owing to " missed "
cases spreading the disease amongst the population, of which over 50 per
cent. is unprotected.
The mildness of the disease is responsible for the " missed " cases;
many sufferers are so slightly ill that they do not consult a doctor,
whilst in others the rash is not recognised ; nevertheless your Officers,
by careful vigilance, have been able to control the disease and prevent an
outbreak of any alarming proportions.
SCARLET FEVER.
One thousand two hundred and sixty-eight cases of this disease were
notified during the year. The annual death rate per 1,000 population
for England and Wales was 0.02; for London, 0.02; and for
Southwark, 0.01.
The number of cases notified and the number of deaths during the
last five years were as follows:—
Notified.
Deaths.
1929
662
3
1930
763
4
1931
514
3
1932
623
4
1933
1268
3