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10
Of the 35 cases of dysentery notified, 20 were single
cases. Of the remainder, 6 cases occurred in one household, 3
cases in another, and in three instances there were two cases
in a family.
The number of cases of whooping cough was low
compared with recent years. January, February and March
provided a total of 4 cases whereas 30 cases occurred during
the month of August.
A case of brucellosis was brought to the attention of
the Department and on investigation it was found that the
patient's family had been on holiday in Ireland and had stayed
at a farm where the children had been allowed to drink
untreated milk from a herd of T.T. cows.
The number of cases of food poisoning notified was
the lowest for the last 4 years. There were 10 isolated cases,
in 8 of which the infection was attributed to salmonella
typhimurium. The cause of infection in the remaining 2 cases
was not discovered. Two small family outbreaks occurred
involving a total of five cases. In both instances the cases
were attributed to salmonella typhimurium. A larger outbreak
where 12 cases were ascertained (but not notified) occurred in
a small canteen. The outbreak was fairly severe and was
apparently caused by some roast beef which had been cooked on
the previous day and then reheated on the day of consumption*
The causal organism was probably C1. Welchii.
There were no cases of smallpox. In fact, for the
first time for many years, we received no notification of
contacts arriving in Hampstead from abroad.
During the winter months, on the advice of the
Ministry of Health the scheme for reporting epidemics of
influenza continued in force. The Medical Officer of Health
is asked to inform the Ministry of any unusual prevalence of
influenza, and in order to obtain early information on this
subject medical practitioners in various parts of the Borough
were approached and asked to act as "spotters". Fortunately,
the incidence of influenza remained at a low level and no
reports were received of any outbreak.
Tuberculosis
The total number of newly notified cases of Tuberculosis
(101) showed an increase of 13 over 1955, but was still below