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83
Scarlet Fever
There were 44 notifications of scarlet fever received compared
with 31 in 1969.
No deaths were recorded.
Whooping Cough
The number of cases of whooping cough notifications received
was 57, an increase of 32 compared with the previous year's total.
Two cases were admitted to hospital. No deaths were recorded.
Some 2,106 whooping cough immunisations were carried out
during the current year. Of these, 300 were effected by local
general practitioners who were also responsible for giving 356
reinforcing doses out of a total of 1,572.
Diptheria
No case was registered for the year under review, a result similar
to that of the previous year.
During the year 2,332 primary immunisations were completed
in the Borough of which 320 were effected by general practitioners.
Most diphtheria immunisations which are given form part of a
combined antigen therapy and, in addition to these primary treatments,
some 5,003 reinforcing doses were given, 635 of which were
carried out by local doctors.
Antitoxin—Since January, 1949, arrangements have been made
for a small stock of diphtheria antitoxin to be held at Greenwich
District Hospital for use by general practitioners in emergencies.
Typhoid
Compared with one case of typhoid during 1969, there was none
recorded for the current year but 9 contacts were kept under
surveillance.
Cholera
Following a serious outbreak of cholera on the Continent, from
18th September all persons entering the country without a valid
vaccination certificate were to be kept under surveillance for 5
days. Four persons were so observed.
Dysentery
This disease is usually characterised by diarrhoea, fever and,
to a lesser extent, vomiting. Although modern methods of treatment
are effective and usually rapid, nevertheless the disease has
become a serious nuisance and difficult to control. It is normally
mild but in infants, young children and the very old it can produce
serious illness and debility, especially if the patients are already
slightly below normal health. In adults it is an irksome inconvenience
and, if they work in the food trade, it can cause economic
hardship.