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Subsequently, another family who had apparently had numerous
reinfections were eventually found to be linked with the first series
by the girl who had on frequent occasions slept with her friend.
As lesions were apparent on the hands and wrists of many of
the girls examined another possibility that had been considered was
whether the infection could have been transmitted during the strenuous
man-handling that occurs during "rock and roll" sessions of
which all the girls were ardent fans.
INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC
During the latter part of the summer information was received
from S. E. Asia indicating that an influenza epidemic might be expected
pected to reach this country by the Autumn. Consequently,
arrangements were made by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry
of Pensions and National Insurance that Borough Medical Officers
should be notified by the latter when the claims for benefit showed
an increase of 30% on the figure for the previous week, or when
they first reached 200% of the average weekly figure during the
period 4th April, 1956 to 4th December, 1956. As, however, this
appeared to be noting the epidemic after it had passed, other potential
tial sources of information were sought. An approach was made to
the College of General Practitioners for aid as it was considered
that their Epidemiological Section might be interested to act as
"spotters" should they have representatives in the Bermondsey area.
Unfortunately, the College had no members residing in the Borough.
Eventually, as no comprehensive picture could be ascertained, local
schools were invited to report their sickness absences believed to be
due to influenza. It was fully realised that this method of estimation
of the impact of the epidemic would only reflect the effects on school
children, yet it was considered to be worth while.
Despite the attempts at early spotting there was little indication
of an epidemic until about September 27th when the case incidence
became more marked and, for a period ending on October 4th, the
highest number of cases occurred amongst older children; this was
followed by a rapid fall in case incidence in these age groups.
Subsequently, there was a significant increase in the numbers
of cases reported by junior and infant departments, the highest peak
being reached on October 11th. The decline in their case rates was
more prolonged and, in some junior schools, the incidence rate was
as high as 50% ; the highest weekly incidence, however, averaged
approximately 25% and this applied to all age groups.
Amongst adults the severity of the disease varied considerably,
but there was only one case in which it was the primary cause of
death although complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia
were not infrequent. As late as January the local office of the Ministry
of Pensions stated that the claims had not yet fallen to the
seasonal average.