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Fever Hospital
The borough is served by the South Middlesex
Hospital but on occasions accommodation in
other fever hospitals may be used. During the
year 157 patients from the borough were
admitted as suffering from or suspected to be
suffering from infectious disease. Close contact is
maintained between the hospital and the department
of health so that any necessary action can be
taken without delay.
Disinfection
Where necessary, disinfection of rooms is carried
out by the department. During the year 18 rooms
were disinfected and three sets of bedding were
destroyed. Five lots of clothing were disinfected
before being sent abroad.
Venereal Disease
The nearest hospitals with venereal disease clinics
are West Middlesex, Central Middlesex,
Hillingdon and West London Hospitals.
Attached to most venereal disease clinics is a
social worker who gives assistance with the social
problems arising from these diseases and most
clinics also make efforts to trace and secure
treatment for contacts. Throughout the country
the incidence of venereal disease is on the
increase which is as much a social as a medical
problem.
Vaccination and Immunisation Section 26
Poliomyelitis
During the year 3,859 children under the age of
16 years completed the course of treatment
necessary for protection. A further 2,563 children
were given 'boost' doses.
Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus
Protection against these diseases can be given
by injection only and the antigens can be given
singly or in combination. The poliomyelitis
antigen can also be added so that by a course of
three injections protection against these four
diseases can be given. The general practice is to
use a triple antigen and to use oral vaccine for
poliomyelitis. In certain cases, on clinical
grounds, it may be advisable to omit whooping
cough protection. The number of children under

Protection against tetanus is now being offered
to pupils in secondary schools as it was not in
general use when they were babies.
Smallpox
Despite the success with which recent outbreaks
of smallpox in this country have been controlled
the Ministry of Health recommends that children
should be vaccinated against smallpox before they
reach the age of three years. During the year
primary vaccination was done in 2,386 children
under the age of 16 years and 257 were
re-vaccinated. No complications occurred in
relation to these vaccinations.
Tuberculosis
Since 1957 protection against tuberculosis has
been offered to secondary school pupils. The
BCG vaccine is also used by the Chest Clinics for
the protection of child contacts.