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In the No. 1 Division a total of 3.527 received these innoculations during the
year.
Incidence of Infectious Diseases
Dysentery
114 cases of dysentery occurred during 1961, which is 14 more than last year.
There were no deaths, nor were there any outbreaks.
Food Poisoning
This year there were 40 cases of Food Poisoning. The following agents were
identified: —
Salmonella Typhimurium 17
Salmonella Agama 1
Salmonella St. Paul 1
19
In 21 other cases no specific organism was isolated.
A report was received from a catering manager of a large establishment in the
Borough that a number of people, including himself, had suffered from food poisoning.
The possible sources of infection had been narrowed down to Hollandaise
sauce, which was served with fresh cooked scotch salmon. Arrangements were made
for the kitchens to be inspected and for swabs to be taken from the chef who
prepared the sauce. Results of these swabs showed that the chef had Staphylococcus
aureus (food poisoning variety) in large quantities on both hands. It was also
discovered that this chef prepared food at a restaurant in the City of London, and
the Medical Officer of Health was informed of the position. The patient was advised
to consult his own doctor on the matter, and at the same time was requested not
to handle any more food until the danger from contamination had been eliminated.
The patient made application for and received payment of compensation in
accordance with Section 26 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act.
1959, which provides where, in a case of this nature, the Medical Officer of Health
requests in writing a person to discontinue his employment, the Borough Council
may, if they think fit. compensate such person for any loss occasioned by compliance
with such a request.
Another case of Food Poisoning was reported in which Salmonella Agama was
found to be the responsible agent. It was discovered that the patient was employed
as a food handler in a canteen in the Borough, and a notice was served stipulating
that she must refrain from handling food until the risk of spreading the infection
was removed. As in the previous case the patient made application for, and received,
compensation under the Act referred to above.
Poliomyelitis
During the year a severe outbreak of Poliomyelitis occurred in Hull, and as a
result arrangements were made by the London County Council as to the steps to
be taken in the event of an outbreak in the London area.
It was anticipated that a district holding 100,000 people would be covered by
the Ministry's instructions to proceed with the issue of oral vaccine. The Divisional
Health Office of the London County Council would arrange suitable propaganda
to ensure that every household in the affected area knew exactly what to do and
where to go to obtain protection. In Hammersmith thirteen centres were earmarked
to be opened for inoculations, teams of volunteers were available to man the
centres, and arrangements were made for supplies of vaccine to be delivered. It
was envisaged that each team would consist of six persons whose duty it would be
to issue the vaccine and record the personal details of each person treated. Mobile