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The number of cases of poliomyelitis in England and Wales
was lower in 1962 than it has been for nearly half a century, which
reflects great credit to all concerned, but the Joint Committee
strongly commends that a renewed effort should be made to increase
the number of persons, and especially of children, who are vaccinated
against poliomyelitis.
A circular sets out in broad terms the following principle
to be adopted when a case of poliomyelitis is confirmed, particularly
in regard to children. It recommends that one dose of oral vaccine
be given to the children who would be more likely to be exposed to the
same source of infection, e.g. those in the school or department of
the school and those in the street or streets in the neighbourhood of
the case; by so doing this could be expected to give some degree of
immunity to children not previously vaccinated and to boost the
immunity of any whose previous vaccination had not been completely
successful. Although concentration would be on the vaccination of
children, it might be appropriate in the light of local circumstances
to offer vaccination to adults also.
Acute Encephalitis
No case of acute encephalitis was notified during the year.
Measles
Of the 944 cases notified during 1963, 21 cases were admitted
to hospital for treatment. No death occurred during the year.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
Pour babies were notified during 1963, three were treated
at home, and one was treated in hospital. Information was also received
of two babies, born to Kensington mothers in hospital outside
the borough, who contracted the disease. All the babies recovered
without injury to sight.
Gastro-enteritis
This disease is notifiable in children up to the age of five
years. The number of cases reported during the year was three. Two
were removed to hospital for treatment.
Scabies
The number of scabies notified during 1963 was 33.
Tuberculosis
During the year, 151 new cases of tuberculosis were notified,
of which 143 were respiratory and 8 non-respiratory. The following
table shows the number of cases added to and the number removed from
the notification register during the year:-