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21
Bacteriological Examinations.
The Borough Council provides bacteriological confirmation of diagnosis free of
charge in connection with certain diseases. This work is carried out by the Royal Institute
of Public Health and Hygiene, 23 Queen Square, W.C.1, and by the Public Health
Laboratory Service at County Hall. During the year 190 specimens were submitted for
examination with the following results:—
Disease.
Positive.
Negative.
Total.
Diphtheria
(Nasal and throat swabs).
— 10 10
Dysentry
(Faeces)
(Faecal swabs)
12 30 42
33 86 119
Food Poisoning
(Faeces).
— 3 3
Streptococcus haemolyticus
2 1 3
Tuberculosis
(Sputum).
— 3 3
Vincents organisms
2 1 3
Whooping cough
(Cough plates).
— 2 2
Other pathogenic organisms
1 10 11
Infectious Disease Contacts.
Where a person is precluded from continuing at work by reason of being a carrier
or having been in contact with infectious disease, benefits under the National Insurance
Act, 1946, are paid only on production of a certificate from the Medical Officer of Health.
It was not found necessary to issue any such certificates during the year.
International Certificates of Vaccination against Cholera and Smallpox.
The International Sanitary Regulations adopted by the Fourth World Health
Assembly on 25th May, 1951, prescribe inter alia that International Certificates, to be
valid, must bear an approved stamp which certifies that the signature of the vaccinator
is that of a doctor.
During the year 224 certificates of persons travelling abroad were authenticated by
the Department. Of these 219 were in respect of smallpox, 12 for cholera, and 2 for typhoid.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
During the year 135 Holborn residents completed immunisation against diphtheria.
In all cases these were children.