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In general, it is not considered that Sonne dysentery is a food'borne organism—
that is to say, it is not normally a food poisoning organism. However, outbreaks of
food poisoning due to Sonne dysentery have been recorded, and particular enquiries
are made in every family visited as to whether a member of the family is engaged in
any form of work as a food handler. Eight men and fourteen women employed as
food handlers were actual cases of Sonne dysentery ; and 56 male and 54 female
members of families where there was a case of Sonne dysentery were food handlers.
In associated families there were 43 male and 40 female food handlers. Where considered
advisable, such handlers were advised to discontinue work for reasonably
safe periods. Amongst these cases, a notification of Sonne dysentery was received
in respect of a person employed as a baker in this Borough. The diagnosis was
bacteriologically confirmed and notice was served under the Public Health (Infectious
Diseases) Regulations, 1953, requiring him to discontinue or refrain from engaging
in the occupation of baker until further notice.
Close liaison was maintained between this Department and Dr. Tomlinson of
the Public Health Laboratory Service, as well as the practitioners, and the results
of bacteriological examinations undertaken made it apparent in the early part of 1954
that a high proportion of the cases were becoming resistant to the sulphonamide
group of drugs normally prescribed in the treatment of this type of dysentery. In
order to deal with this problem and its implications, and other related problems,
the Council approved the calling of a meeting in the Town Hall to discuss the
matter. The meeting was called as a special meeting of the City Division of the
British Medical Association, and those invited included all local practitioners, and
medical staffs of local hospitals and the London County Council. The discussion was
opened by Dr. W. Gunn, F.R.C.P., D.P.H., Physician, Royal Free Hospital Department
of Infectious Diseases, Hampstead, Dr. A. J. H. Tomlinson, MB., B.Ch.,
Director, Medical Research Council Bacteriological Laboratory, County Hall, S.E.1,
and the Medical Officer of Health. There was also considerable further discussion
by others present. It was considered that the meeting was a most useful one and the
recorded proceedings were available to all doctors for reference purposes.
The following table summarises the progress of the outbreak and those
affected :—