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Since 1945, diphtheria notifications for England and Wales
have fallen from 18,596 to 103, the figure for the current year. Over
the same period deaths have decreased from 722 to nil.
Diphtheria immunisation is a County Council service and
during the year there were 893 completed immunisations carried
out in the Borough, an increase of 228 over that of the previous
year. Most diphtheria immunisations given formed part of combined
antigen therapy.
Antitoxin.—Since January, 1949, arrangements have been made
for a small stock of diphtheria antitoxin to be held at St. Alfege's
Hospital for use by general practitioners in emergencies.
Acute Primary Pneumonia and Acute Influenzal Pneumonia.—There
were 20 cases attributed to these causes, as compared
with 42 for 1958, 28 for 1957 and 14 for each of the years
1955 and 1956. Seven occurred in East Greenwich, none in West
Greenwich, 1 in St. Nicholas, Deptford, and 12 in Charlton and
Kidbrooke.
One case was removed to hospital and there were no deaths.
Typhoid.—No cases of typhoid fever were notified during the
year compared with one last year, two for 1957 and one for 1956.
Scarlet Fever.—A total of 68 confirmed cases for the year
shows a decrease of 38 from 1958 compared with 102 notifications
for 1957, 58 for 1956 and 57 for 1955. Thirteen occurred in East
Greenwich, 13 in West Greenwich, 6 in St. Nicholas, Deptford, and
36 in Charlton and Kidbrooke.
Three cases were removed to hospital and no fatalities were
recorded.
Erysipelas.—Six cases were notified during the year compared
with 3 for last year, a Nil return for 1957, 4 for 1956 and 6 for 1955.
Zymotic Enteritis or Epidemic Diarrhoea (Children under
5 years of age).—Thirty cases were recorded as confirmed compared
with 9 for the previous year, 12 for 1957 and 17 for 1956.
One case received hospital treatment and no deaths were
recorded.
Sonne Dysentery.—This disease is usually characterised by
diarrhoea, fever and, to a lesser extent, vomiting. Although
modern methods of treatment are effective and usually fairly rapid,