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23
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.I, and by the Public Health Laboratory
Service at County Hall. During the year 515 specimens were submitted for examination
with the following results:—
Disease Positive Negative Total
Diphtheria 3 48 51
(Nasal and throat swabs)
Dysentery
(Faeces) 7 169 176
(Faecal swabs) 32 173 205
Food Poisoning
(Faeces) 1 3 4
(Faecal swabs) 5 34 39
(Other specimens) — 10 10
Streptococcus haemolyticus 4 6 10
Vincents organisms 2 13 15
Other pathogenic organisms 3 2 5
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 certificate 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 526 certificates of persons travelling abroad were authenticated by
the Department. Of these 390 were in respect of smallpox, 82 for cholera, 44 for typhoid,
and 10 for yellow fever.
Diphtheria Immunisation
During the year 291 Holborn children completed the primary course of immunisation
against diphtheria, and 273 received boosting doses.