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h. influenzae; in 4 instances the cause was viral, a further 7 were
considered aseptic and in 2 others the organisms remained unidentified.
Acute Encephalitis
(Infective or Post-Infectious)
The one case notified during 1971 was "post-infectious" which
developed after an attack of chickenpox. There was recovery
after hospital treatment.
Tetanus
(prophylaxis)
During the year, 2,924 persons were protected against tetanus
and 3,578 reinforcing doses were given, both being part of combined antigen therapy. Of these treatments, 422 and 418 respectively were effected by general practitioners.
Malaria
Three cases of malaria, all contracted abroad, were notified
during the year under review. A similar total was returned for
1970.
This year it is necessary to record a death from cerebral
malaria in respect of a seaman admitted to the Dreadnought
Hospital and who succumbed the following day. Enquiries of the
Port Health Authority revealed that the man, a cook on the
tanker 'Border Reiver' had arrived at Tilbury on 24th November
and was immediately brought into hospital, the onset of illness
being given as the 19th day of the same month. This case is not
included in those notified.
Infective Jaundice
Persons notified as suffering from infective jaundice during the
year totalled 37 compared with 28 in 1970.
Ten patients were admitted into hospital but there were no
recorded deaths.
Leprosy
No case was recorded during the current year a situation
similar to that of the previous year.
It is interesting to record that there has been much publicity
about the controversial history of the drug thalidomide and its
alleged effects upon the foetus during the first trimester of pregnancy. Its beneficial use, however, on abolishing the distressing
lepra reactions (those serious drawbacks arising from employment