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Owing to the prevalence of diphtheria in the district during
1938-39, it may be assumed that the number of children immune to the
disease, either as the result of an actual attack or through having
acquired a natural immunity by exposure to cases or carriers, is above
the average.
It is likely therefore that for several years the incidence of the
disease in the district will be below the average and if full advantage
were taken by parents of the opportunities offered for the immunisation
of their children it should be possible to build up a high level of herd
immunity against the next epidemic period.
There is now ample evidence to show that if 70—80% of the
child population in a community is immunised, the incidence of diphtheria
becomes almost negligible. This means the immunisation every
year of about 300 children aged 1—2 years in the district.
Summary of Cases of Infectious Diseases, showing Number of
Cases, Admission to Hospital and Deaths.
Infectious
Disease.
Total Cases
(Notified).
Admissions to
Hospital.
Deaths
Registrar General's Figures
Scarlet Fever
23
17
—
Erysipelas
4
1
—
Diphtheria
23
23
2
Typhoid
2
2
-
Measles
6
-
-
Anterior Poliomyelitis
1
1
-
59
44
2
Terminal Disinfection.
During the latter part of the year a modified system of disinfection
after the removal of cases of scarlet fever and diphtheria to hospital was
introduced. The routine spraying of rooms and steam disinfection of
bedding were abandoned and reliance placed mainly on soap, water, air
and sunlight.
Householders are issued with detailed instructions as to the procedure
to be adopted and this is carried out under the supervision of the
Sanitary Inspector.
Long experience in many other areas has shown that what may be
termed the "spring cleaning" method of disinfection has caused no
apparent increase in the incidence of infectious disease and probably
ensures greater household cleanliness than the older methods.
In cases presenting special difficulties, e.g., where lack of space,
overcrowding or weather conditions would throw an undue burden on
the house wife, bedding and clothing are removed for steam disinfection,
as in the past.
The total number of deaths from notifiable infectious diseases,
excluding Tuberculosis was 2 (from diphtheria).