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DIPHTHERIA
Four notifications wars received during the year, but were not
confirmed. Two cases were confirmed in 1955, being the first cases
since 1949. Only one death has occurred during the past seventeen years.
Immunisation has played a major part towards 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 page 7
SMALLPOX
No case of Smallpox has been notified to the Public Health Department
as having occurred in the Borough since 1928, and there have been no
deaths from this disease for over fifty years.
POLIOMYELITIS
Fourteen notifications of Poliomyelitis came to hand, and all were
subsequently confirmed; six of the cases were of a non-paralytic type.
One of the eight paralytic cases, a female of 18 years, died six days
after admission to hospital.
None of the above cases had been vaccinated} against poliomyelitis.
DYSENTERY
During 1956, three hundred and forty-nine notifications were submitted
as compared with 216 in 1955 and 196 in 1954.
68% of the sufferers were residents of institutions not controlled
by this authority. The premises were such that it was difficult to
prevent the spread of infection among the particular type of inmates.
Nevertheless the Borough Council has been at great pains to bring about
the eradication of the incidence of dysentery.
MEASLES
One hundred and eighty-three notifications of Measles were received
during 1956, as compared with 736 and 104 in 1955 and 1954 respectively.