View report page

13
An outbreak of small-pox in the London area early in the
year gave rise to some anxiety as to whether it were possible to
keep the disease from spreading but thanks to the active collaboration
between the various Health Departments concerned, the outbreak
was stopped before it assumed large proportions. The number of
persons exposed to infection either directly or indirectly was large,
but all were visited and kept under supervision until the risk of
infection had passed. No case of smallpox was notified in Southwark.
During the autumn an epidemic of influenza called for
immediate action. Although not of a severe character being of brief
duration, it caused some problems to arise which called for Immediate
attention.
To meet the shortage of doctors arrangements were made to
obtain assistance from the military authorities, whilst help in the
hone and for the supply of meals was provided for, but fortunately
the epidemic soon waned and no further difficulties were experienced.
The notification of scabies came into operation on the 1st
August and resulted in some 328 cases being notified.
NOTIFICATION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
The notifications of infectious diseases received during the
year numbered 1961 (excluding Tuberculosis) as follows:-
Scarlet Fever 353, Diphtheria 56, Enteric Fever 1, Puerperal Fever 2,
Puerperal Pyrexia 14, Cerebro-splnal Fever 3, Scabies 328, Measles 764,
Whooping Cough 256, Malaria 1, Dysentery 23, Epidemic Diarrhoea 12,
Pneumonia 97, Ophthalmia Neonatorum 10, Erysipelas 40, Anthrax 1.
16 deaths due to infectious diseases were recorded:Cerebro-spinal
meningitis 2, Scarlet Fever 2, Measles 2, Diarrhoea 10.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION.
Immunisation against diphtheria was Carried out in the
Council's clinics and by general practitioners in accordance with the
Council's scheme for Doctors. The total number of Children who
completed a course of preventive injections during the year was 847 of
whom 803 were under the age of five years. The total attendance at
the clinics was 2,756.
VENEREAL DISEASES-PROPAGANDA.
At, the request of the London County Council arrangements
were made for the display, in all conveniences, both male and female
attached to licensed premises in the Borough, of enamelled tablets,
giving details of clinics where treatment could be obtained. Ready
co-operation between brewers, licensees and others was obtained and
only in a few instances were objections raised to the display of this
propaganda material.
TUBERCULOSIS.
255 notifications of tuberculosis were received, of which
215 were in respect of pulmonary cases and 40 non-pulmonary. According
to the Registrar General's annual return the number of deaths from
tuberculosis was 96,88 being pulmonary and 8 non-pulmonary.