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(6)
There was a decrease in the notification of all forms of tuberculosis
but an increase in the number of deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis
during the year. A large number of infective tubercular patients
have still to share a bed, and an even greater number a room. Whilst a
considerable number of children and young adults are living in overcrowded
conditions, owing to housing difficulties, they run a high risk of
being infected. It is hoped that B.C.G. vaccination, which is now being
carried out on those most susceptible to tubercular infection and where
there is an existing tubercular patient in the home, may prove highly effective
in raising the immunity in these cases, thus lessening the risk
of infection.
Extracts from the Annual Report of Dr. H.C. Price,Chest Physician,
Fulham Clinic, have been included on pp. 30 to 32, which outline the
tuberculosis position in Fulham.
As in the country generally, poliomyelitis in the Borough declined.
There were six cases; four of these were the paralytic type but considerable
recovery of function followed rehabilitation work in these cases.
There were no fatalities.
Again, in company with many other areas in the country,cases of paratyphoid
B. occurred between June and August. It was found on investigation
that in the seven cases notified during this period, there were five
different "types" of the microbe concerned. Each year different "types"
are making their appearance in this country, for example, the type "Kentish"
first appeared on the south coast from the continent and has gradually
"travelled" to London, taking about two years to make the journey.
From the table on page 14 the infectious group of diseases will
be seen to be more or less the same as in 1950, with three notable exceptions,
viz: dysentery, measles and acute pneumonia, which show a steep
rise in this year's records. Firstly, dysentery (Bacillus Dysenteriae
Sonne) showed a marked increase. It has been found that this microbe
inhabits the alimentary tract of the common cockroach and may infect food
and utensils. Personal hygiene is therefore of the utmost importance in
the home and food factory.This outbreak was practically confined to Sands
End district. Extensive investigations were made in each case and every
precaution taken. There is no doubt these precautions, along with the
course of preventive treatment carried out on request by medical practitioners
concerned, were responsible for bringing the outbreak under control
as quickly as possible. The disease does not usually prove fatal and
no deaths occurred.