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The first case of poliomyelitis in Wimbledon was removed to the
Infectious Diseases Hospital on the 18th June. This patient, a boy
aged 11 years, was a severe case with respiratory involvement and
needed to be placed in a mechanical respirator on arrival in hospital.
It was not until 6th December that this patient was able to remain
permanently out of the respirator.
No further cases occurred until the 2nd July. During the month
of July, 12 cases were notified, all of them being removed to the
Wimbledon Infectious Diseases Hospital.
During August a further 6 cases were notified. Four more
occurred during September, one in October, and another on the 3()th
December.
Certain precautions were advised early in the outbreak, with a
view to checking if possible the spread of infection. The measures
advised included the postponement of operations for the removal of
tonsils and adenoids, and the postponement of swimming galas at
the Public Baths, prize givings, and other functions necessitating the
congregation of children and relatives in enclosed premises. Admission
to Convalescent Homes and Holiday Camps of Wimbledon children
were deferred for a time. Head teachers of local schools were informed
of the position and advised against overcrowding, and the need
for the highest possible standard of hygiene in schools was stressed
There was no interruption in the normal school routine apart from
prohibition of gatherings already mentioned. The chlorination of the
Wimbledon Swimming Baths was stepped up above the usual figure
of 0.4 per million. The paddling pool at Garfield Road Recreation
Ground was drained.
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