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23
Poliomyelitis.—A widespread epidemic of this disease
occurred in England and Wales during the year,
although fortunately less prevalent in Bethnal Green
than in many districts. Twenty-three case were
notified, but only 12 were confirmed. Of these 5
recovered with no observed after-effects, 6 were left
suffering from varying degrees of residual weakness,
including 1 case of paralysis of both legs, while 1
patient died.
Diphtheria.—As pointed out in previous reports,
the recorded notifications of Diphtheria are not a
completely reliable index to the actual incidence as
in 24 of the cases (or 48%) the diagnosis was not
confirmed in hospital. There was only 1 death from
this disease.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION.
The clinic for the provision of immunisation
against Diphtheria which was started in March 1946
continued in active operation during 1947. Immunisation
is also carried out at the three nurseries. During
the year, 791 immunisations were completed at the
Welfare Centre and the nurseries, and 256 immunisations
of Bethnal Green children were carried out by
the London County Council. I estimate that approximately
50% of the children under 15 are now so
protected.
As the first inoculation in infancy loses some of its
effect in the course of years, it is necessary, in order
to maintain the protection, for additional inoculations
to be carried out at the age of 5 and again during
school life. This fact should be borne in mind in
assessing the value of this protective measure in cases