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Smallpox.
No cases of smallpox were recorded, but visits were paid to 44 smallpox
contacts who lived permanently or temporarily in the Borough and who had been
in contact, in one instance, with cases which had occurred in an area outside the
Borough and, in two other instances, in ships which had passed through the Far
East. In a number of other cases visits were paid by the Medical Officer of Health
or Deputy Medical Officer of Health to suspect cases on a request by the general
practitioner. These cases were not confirmed but such measures constitute part
of the precautions which have to be taken when the slightest suspicion of smallpox
has arisen. Useful help can now also be given by the Virus Research Department
of the Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, which has undertaken the
examination of pathological specimens in suitable cases.

(Figures from 1948 onwards kindly furnished by Divisional Medical
Officer, London County Council.)
The Vaccination Acts were rescinded under the National Health Service Act,
1946, as from 5th July, 1948.
Certificates of Vaccination and Inoculation—Authentication-Ministry of Health
Circular 60/48.
During the year the Medical Officer of Health dealt with 77 requests for
authentication of International Certificates of Vaccination and Inoculation against
smallpox, cholera, typhoid, etc.
Measles and Whooping Cough.
Measles and Whooping Cough became generally notifiable in London at the end
of 1939. Prior to this there was only a limited notification.
The number of measles notifications, 3,199 for the year, is the highest recorded
in the Borough for any one year. A sharp increase in the measles notifications began
in October, 1950, and the notifications increased each month to January, 1951,
879 being notified in this month. Notifications continued at a high level until about