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Recent advances in the study of antibiotics raise the hope
that a most effective remedy for this disease will be found in
the near future. Further, when this antibiotic is given to close
contacts immediate protection will be provided, whereas immunisation
by vaccine takes some weeks to develop, (see graph
page 51.)
Smallpox.
Localised attacks of smallpox occur from time to time.
Only a very small proportion of the inhabitants of the Borough
have any degree of immunity against the infection. During the
years 1928 to 1934 (inclusive) a modified form called alastrim
was responsible for 653 cases. This outbreak caused administrative
anxiety and expense before it was controlled. Vaccination,
if carried out properly and at appropriate intervals, is a
means of protection of the individual and the community against
this disease. Vaccination should be carried out in the first year
of life, preferably between the ages of three and six months
when severe reactions are very rare. The immunity obtained
lasts for a period of seven to ten years and vaccination should be
repeated at the age of ten years. Needless to state, all individuals
who have been exposed to infection should be vaccinated
or re-vaccinated unless a serious contra-indication
exists.
Leprosy.
The Public Health (Leprosy) Regulations, 1951, came into
operation on the 22nd June, 1951, and require every medical
practitioner attending on or called in to visit a patient suffering
from leprosy to send forthwith to the Chief Medical Officer of
the Ministry of Health particulars of the case in a certificate
prescribed in the Regulations.
The mode of transmission of this disease is by intimate and
long contact with infected individuals. Communicability occurs
when lesions become open and leprosy bacilli are discharged.
Food Poisoning.
Under the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, it is the duty of a
medical practitioner on becoming aware or suspecting that a
patient whom he is attending is suffering from food poisoning to
forthwith send particulars of the case to the Medical Officer
of Health of the district in which the patient lives. On receipt
of such a notification all necessary epidemiological enquiries
are made without delay, such as the investigation of possible
sources of infection, and steps are taken to prevent the spread
of the disease and protect the health of the public.