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63
DIPHTHERIA
It is most gratifying that for the third year in succession no
cases of Diphtheria occurred amongst residents in the Borough. Two
notifications were received, but these were finally diagnosed as
"acute tonsilitis". Notifications received and confirmed during 1948
and 1949 were 2 and 1 respectively, and only one death has occurred
during the past thirteen years. Set out below are details of
notifications of and deaths from Diphtheria from 1900 to 1951.
Year Cases Deaths
1900 179 18
+1901-1910 108.3 9.7
+1911-1920 84.3 6.1
+1921-1930 133.7 6.2
+1931-1940 93.7 3.2
+1941-1950 10.6 0.1
+ Averages over periods of ten years.
The very sharp decline in the incidence of Diphtheria during
the period 1941-1950 is. to some extent, attributable to the outbreak
of hostilities prior to the commencement of this particular
decade, with the consequent evacuation of children to safer areas, but
it must be borne in mind that by mid 1947 the population (51,000) was
again approaching pre-war levels. The average numbers of cases and
deaths for the five years 1948-1952 were 0.6 and Nil respectively.
Immunisation which is commented upon elsewhere, has played a
major part in, from a statistical point of view, the present
excellent position; nevertheless it is constantly necessary to
publicise the efficacy of such a service.