View report page

Large scale national research now in progress will evaluate the
process and determine the most effective form of vaccine and
dosage. The material used was Bacillus Pertussis 'S' Vaccine,
20 million bacilli per c.c. The dose given is 0.5 c.c. in
four doses, three at weekly intervals and the fourth a month
later. It has been found convenient and satisfactory to
combine the vaccine with Toxoid Antitoxin Floccules as a diluting
agent and for combining Immunisation against Diphtheria, The
combination has been free from reactions,
PREVENTION of SMALLPOX:- Vaccination against Small Pox is
now a voluntary measure, but infant vaccination must be sustained
if we are to maintain a relative immunity in the population against
the introduction of Small Pox, a risk not to be ignored. The safe
period for the vaccination of babies is between 3 months and
6 months of age, and a high responsibility lies with parents to
ensure that their babies are vaccinated either by arrangement with
their own doctor or at a Child Welfare Clinic, The service is
free of charge under the National Health Service, Vaccination
against Small Pox is a necessary routine measure of protection for
all babies.

PUERPERAL PYREXIA:- Two cases were notified in 1948, compared
with seven eases in 1947, The case rate was 1.63 per 1000 total
births, compared with 6,89 per 1000 total births for England and
Wales.
The early notification of Puerperal Pyrexia is of
primary importance in the prevention of maternal mortality.
Medical practitioners should make the fullest use of the
consultant, bacteriological and hospital services provided by the
Authority, and secure the immediate and effective isolation of
any suspected case occurring in a maternity home.
TYPHOID AND PARATYPHOID FEVERS:- One case of Paratyphoid Fever,
a child resident in an institution, was notified. There was one
death from Paratyphoid Fever of an aged woman resident, in an
institution outside the Borough# No source of infection was
found within the Borough.
DYSENTERY:- Thirty-seven cases of Sonne Dysentery were notified#
Thirty of these were from institutions. This compares with three
cases notified in 1947, The disease is endemic in this area, and
the presence of carriers calls for the most scrupulous care by all
engaged in the handling of food. The chain of infection can' only
be broken by clean hands. Mild cases suffering only from slight
abdominal discomfort or transient diarrhoea may transmit severe
aircacks to others. Bacillary Dysentery can now be effectively
controlled by the use of Sulphonamide drugs, but for the
prevention of this and of other gastrointestinal infections, the
washing of hands, particularly after the use of lavatories, by
all engaged in the handling of food, is essential,
(30)