View report page

3
Analyst. Only 11 of these were certified as adulterated and none indicated any
gross fraud on the public. In view of the conditions prevailing as regards the
limitations of supply, this may be taken as exceedingly satisfactory.
It was found possible to continue to urge and enforce strict cleanliness
in the handling of foodstuffs and a circular suitable for display, headed
"Precautions against contamination of food" which was prepared at the end of the
preceding year, was distributed with a covering letter to all food premises in
the Borough.
SECTION D.- INFECTIOUS & OTHER DISEASE
It is pleasing to be able to record that in spite of apparently adverse
conditions the incidence of infectious disease has remained very low, and apart
from tuberculosis presents no special problem for consideration.
Diphtheria.- There were 35 cases and no deaths during the year. Considerable
progress was made in the schools and among infants in immunisation, and this
was completed for 548 children. It may be reckoned that probably about 30% of
the under 14 population have now been protected. Although this figure represents
a considerable advance there is a need for much intensive propaganda if our children
are to be saved from this threat to their early life.
Measles.- There were 207 cases during the year and two de ths.
Whooping Cough.- There were 172 cases and one death during the year.
Analysis of these cases shews an attack rate of about 12$ in the under 5 population
generally and 1.7% among 293 children who had received a full course of
whooping cough vaccine. This is evidence of the value of the whooping cough
protection work which was undertaken in conjunction with diphtheria immunisation
in the welfare clinics for the past 2 years.
Cerebro-spinal Fever.- This disease is particularly likely to be prevalent
in war-time, but fears as to its assuming serious proportions have not materialised.
There were 9 cases and no deaths during the year.
Typhus.- In view of the possible introduction of this disease into the
country preliminary consideration was given as to the measures to be adopted in
this eventuality, and these were being actively pursued at the end of the year.
Tuberculosis.- As in all other parts of the country there has been an
increased number of deaths and of notifications of new cases in respect of tuberculosis.
The causes are little understood, and the problem can only be attacked
by an intensification of the normal measures undertaken in the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
This has been unfortunately hampered by a shortage of institutional
provision and the difficulty of ameliorating unsatisfactory environment and social
conditions in the home.
The incidence of other infectious diseases does not call for special mention.
SECTION E.- SANITARY CIRCUIvETANCES AND ADMINISTRATION
During the year 12,914 inspections (including re-inspections) were carried
out by the sanitary inspectors. This number includes 528 first visits on complaint
of nuisance and 161 with reference to infectious disease.
The number of inspections of factories was 1,871 and the number of defects
fo* which notices were served was 101.
335 Intimation Notices and 7 Statutory Notices under the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, were served during the year.
attention was directed during the year to the sealing of disused drains on
demolished sites lest these later become a harbourage fcr rats.