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INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The infectious diseases about which we can collect
information are those which are notifiable to the Medical
Officer of Health. It is becoming increasingly evident
that this information about diseases occurring in the
Borough is inadequate for our present needs and it is
necessary to consider the collection of accurate statistics
about diseases which are not infectious, but which
are of considerable epidemiological importance to the
community.
The major 'killing diseases' today are coronary
thrombosis, bronchitis and malignant conditions, notably
carcinoma of the lung. Much research has been carried
out and some of the causes of these diseases are now
known to us. However, we still lack accurate data on the
occupations, family histories and various habits of the
victims of these and other non fatal conditions. For
example, it was believed that coronary thrombosis was
essentially a disease of the sedentary worker but
medical practitioners find that an increasing number of
manual workers are suffering from this condition It is
important to know the reason for such trends and this we
cannot discover unless we can collect information about
every patient who suffers from the disease.
Scarlet Fever
There were 109 notified cases of scarlet fever (67
cases notified in 1963). This.disease has become much
less serious during the past.15 years or so due to a
change in the activity of the infecting organism and to
the use of new drugs to lessen the danger of the complications
which led to chronic conditions in later life.
Whooping Cough
There were 45 cases of whooping cough in 1964 (173
during 1963). The Health Department of the London County
Council continued its intensive efforts to ensure that
all infants who are fit for immunisation receive full
protection at the minimum advisable age.
Diphtheria and Poliomyelitis
These diseases did not occur in the Borough during
1964. As in the case of whooping cough, efforts are made
to ensure that all children receive protection at an
early age.