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SONNE DYSENTERY
Investigations into 31 confirmed notifications in respect of Sonne
dysentery were carried out by Dr. Meade, the Deputy Medical Officer of
Health.
The terminal phase of the outbreak which affected the Sands End area
in the last quarter of. 1951 accounted for 15 cases in the first six weeks
of 1952. These were for the most part, secondary cases or "carriers"
occurring in affected households.
The regaining 16 cases were isolated incidents occurring throughout
the year,
The methods adopted for preventing the spread of infeotion were as
follows:-
On receipt of a notification a home visit was paid. Besides enquiry
as to possible sources of the infection and the risks to others, the
method of spread was explained and a pamphlet bearing a list of necessary
precautionary measures was given. At the same time samples for bacteriological
examination were requested from all members of the household,
whether any history of suspicious illness was found or not, the aim being
to secure a series of three negative specimens from each such member.
The Laboratory at the West London Hospital was most co-operative in
giving early telephone information in respect of any positive result being
obtained so that the patient's practitioner concerned could be informed
and treatment begun, notifications obtained and any necessary action taken
in respect of exclusion of children from Day Nurseries, schools, etc.
Of the 297 faeces examinations carried out in 1952, 194 were in
respect of the Public Health Department's investigations of Sonne Dysentery
(61 in the first six weeks of the year) and a further 84 were made at the
request of general practitioners. A balance of 19 such examinations are
accounted for in respect of other infections,
Throughout the General Practitioners proved most co-operative, but it
would be of assistance to this Department if earlier notification was given
as action cannot be taken till knowledge of the position is available.
It is felt that these means have not only assisted in the prevention
of the spread of infection, but have been of undoubted educational propaganda
value to the public in assisting a realization as to the nature and
method of spread of this disease.