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and poliomyelitis prophylaxis. It occupied 3rd place in respect of
whooping cough immunisation and smallpox vaccination. Relative
to the average percentages for Inner London as a whole for
diphtheria, poliomyelitis, whooping cough and smallpox, viz., 88.9,
88.5, 82.1 and 69.1, those for Greenwich were 92.9, 92.5, 86.2 and
74.8 respectively.
Observations
With the exception of small increases in cerebro-spinal meningitis,
jaundice and whooping cough, cases of infectious disease (as
reported by heads of schools), showed a general downward trend.
This was most marked in respect of chickenpox, measles, mumps
and gastro-enteritis.
A disquieting rise of 30%, however, to a total of 467 in the
number of pupils found to be verminous was recorded. This may
well be a reflection of the growing resistance of the head louse
(pediculus humanus capitis) to organochlorine insecticides such as
Lorexane. Early results from alternative methods of treatment now
being introduced involving such compounds as malathion and
carbaryl are most encouraging. The situation is under constant
review.
John Kerr Brown,
Principal School Medical Officer.
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
STATISTICAL REPORT 1970
Number of Pupils (as at May, 1970)
Primary 22,807
Secondary 15,645
Nursery School 580
Special, including Hospital schools 1,044
40,076