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DIPHTHERIA.
It is most gratifying that for the fourth year in succession no
cases of Diphtheria occurred amongs residents in the Borough, Notifications
received and confirmed during 1948 and 1949 were 2 and 1 respectively, and
only one death has occurred during the past fourteen years. Set out below
are details of notifications of and deaths from Diphtheria from 1900 to 1950.
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 1949-1953 were 0.2 and
Nil respectively.
Immunisation 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. Details of services provided during
the year will be found on the following page.