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11
There was an outbreak of poliomyelitis of moderate
severity throughout the country and it affected the population
of Hampstead as well. We had 9 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis
and 28 non-paralytic. No death occurred.
Immunisation against poliomyelitis is to be introduced
in the middle of 1956 and offered to children between the ages
of 2 and 9. It is hoped that one tenth of the children In this
age group will be immunised before the seasonal increase of
poliomyelitis commences. By the end of 1956 there should be
enough vaccine available to immunise everybody who wishes to be
protected.
The English vaccine is stated to be as safe as any
vaccine can be made. It is similar to one used in the United
States of America and Canada, of which 20 million doses have
been given to 10 million children. The American experience has
undoubtedly been of the greatest help in the preparation of the
vaccine to be used here, and in fact the English vaccine will
not contain that virulent type of polimyelitis virus which was
responsible for some of the unfortunate events which occurred
in the United States. It is certain moreover that no batch will
be released until it has passed the most stringent safety tests.
The vaccine is likely to reduce the incidence of
paralytic poliomyelitis quite considerably in those who receive
it and will be given in two doses at an interval of not less
than 3 weeks. I would warn the public against expecting too
much. It is not suggested that this vaccine will prevent
poliomyelitis in all those who receive it. It is a first step
towards the conquering of this disease which in recent years
has caused so much fear and anguish to parents.
4 cases of typhoid fever were notified. 2 of them
were associated with an outbreak affecting Polish nationals.
This outbreak originated from a birthday party which was given
by a Polish lady who had typhoid fever some 27 years ago and
was still a carrier of the typhoid bacillus. She had infected
the food supplied to her guests and from this party 11 cases of
typhoid occurred, 2 of them residing in Hampstead. It is of
interest to note that 2 of the patients in this outbreak
presented themselves to their doctors with symptoms of gall
bladder complaint. Their gall bladders were removed and only
on subsequent investigation was it discovered that they were
suffering from typhoid fever.
The number of new cases of tuberculosis notified was 88.