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In 1956 there were 203 cases; 1957 120 cases; 1958 320 cases; 1959 45
cases and in 1960 190 cases. Of the cases in 1960, 97 were bacteriologically
confirmed, 58 were diagnosed on clinical grounds alone without
bacteriological confirmation, and in 35 symptoms were absent or so
very mild and indefinite that they could be described as carriers
only. All the infections in this year were due to Shigella Sonnei
with the exception of three cases in one family where the organism
was of the flexner type.
The cases in 1960 involved two schools and one nursery.
ENCEPHALITIS:
In 1957 two elderly women developed this condition and died.
There was no known connection between these cases nor was their cause
discovered.
In 1958 there was one case of Encephalitis following Influenza.
and in 1960 one nurse from a hospital in the Borough developed this
condition, the primary nature of the infection remaining undiscovered.
In both cases recovery was complete.
ENTERIC FEVER (PARATYPHOID) :
There were no cases in the years 1956 to 1959, but in 1960 two
cases were discovered in children, two boys aged 8 and 11 years
respectively who were admitted to hospital for other conditions,and
there found to be suffering from paratyphoid 'B' . All the contacts
were carefully watched and examined, and the patients were further
watched on their final discharge from hospital.
In the case of one boy, the second specimen examined after discharge
was found to be positive, but further examinations afterwards
found to be negative.
ENTERIC FEVER (TYPHOID):
In 1956 there was one case of Phage E Typhoid which was contracted
whilst on holiday in Spain. In 1959 there was one case of a woman
aged 21 who was found,, when admitted to hospital for another condition,
to be suffering from Typhoid. These individuals and their contacts
were kept under strict supervision for a long period, and it is
believed that no carriers have developed as a result of these attacks.
There was no information in 1960 with regard to any cases or
contacts.
It is interesting to note that in the latter year 14 cases of
simple sore throats were either referred by their doctors or attended
the laboratory for swab examination, because of the concern felt by
them or their parents by reason of the earlier outbreaks.
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