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DIPHTHERIA
No notifications were received during the year. Two cases were
confirmed in 1955, being the only cases since 1949, and there have
been no deaths for fourteen years.
Immunisation has played a major part towards the present excellent
position, nevertheless it is constantly necessary to publicise the
efficacy of such a service. Details of services provided during the
year will be found on page 18.
POLIOMYELITIS
Five notifications of poliomyelitis were received and three were
subsequently confirmed; one of the cases was of a non-paralytic type.
One of the paralytic cases, a male of 3 years, had received three
injections against poliomyelitis and although all the bacteriological
tests proved negative, the hospital regarded and notified the case as
poliomyelitis in view of the paralysis.
All the cases were discharged from hospital after making a
satisfactory recovery.
Vaccination against poliomyelitis was commenced by the London
County Council in 1956, and was only available to children in certain
age groups, but as the supply of vaccine improved, the Ministry of
Health extended the programme and the following persons are now
eligible 8-
All persons six months to 40 years of age.
Expectant mothers.
General medical practitioners and ambulance staff
and the families of such persons.
Staff of hospitals where poliomyelitis is treated
during the infectious stage, and the families of
such staff.
Medical Officers of Health, Public Health Inspectors
and Disinfectors.
WHOOPING COUGH
Thirty-three cases were notified during the year against 20
in 1958.