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The most probable cause of this outbreak was inadequate cooking of the meat, presumably due to
(a) insufficient cooking time,
(b) inadequate cooking temperature and/or
(c) cooking in such large quantities that the meat remained only partially cooked
Whilst the instruction to save a meal from the previous day was adhered to, unfortunately the specimen
was disposed of shortly before the first reports of illness were received by the department. Arrangements
were subsequently made for these meals to be retained for a longer period.
SUSPECTED DIPHTHERIA
Information was received from a Medical Officer of Health of another London Borough regarding a
woman aged 29 years who had recently been investigated for a sore throat and found to be a carrier of a
diphtheria mitis toxin producing organism. Investigations showed that seven other persons, all connected in
some way, were also carriers of the bacillus in their noses or throats. All were well, but two persistent
carriers were admitted to infectious diseases units. Some tenuous contacts were reported in other Boroughs
and, in this connection, investigation of an adult male Islington resident who was a suspected carrier was
carried out. Examination of two nose and throats swabs, however, proved negative. Medical practitioners
were alerted to the possibility that this diphtheria bacillus was more prevalent in London than was at that
time recognised and they were advised to consider investigating cases of sore throats before giving
treatment.
LEAD POISONING
There were two references to the department on the subject of lead poisoning during 1970.
The first concerned a three-year-old boy admitted to hospital with a history of convulsion and abdominal
pain. Subsequent investigations revealed a high serum-lead and x-rays of long bones compatible with
lead-poisoning. As a result, domiciliary enquiries were carried out and a series of samples submitted to the
Public Analyst for examination. From these investigations it appeared likely that the offending lead was
that contained in paint on a lead pipe and window sill. Consequently the Inspector ordered its removal and
reported on his last visit that conditions were satisfactory.
The other case concerned a three-and-a-half-year old boy admitted to hospital with a raised blood lead
level. Apparently the child had a history of Pica, when it was noted that he ate a wide range of substances
ranging from paper to caterpillars. As a result of domiciliary enquiries carried out, a series of samples were
submitted to the Public Analyst but with indeterminate results. Further samples were taken in an
endeavour to trace the source of this lead poisoning but without effect. Arrangements were made for this
child to be seen at regular intervals.
SUSPECTED RABIES
A telephone call was received on the evening of the 14th May, from the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries (Animal Health Division) to report details of a sea captain's pet monkey which had died that
morning. The Forestry Department of the London Zoo performed a post-mortem at which they suspected
death was due to rabies and sent the brain of the monkey for further analysis; the Captain had tried to
revive the monkey with the kiss of life.
Meanwhile the Captain had returned to his ship which was due to sail that evening. It was further
reported that the Captain's wife and other householders had kissed and cuddled the monkey, and two dogs
at this house had also played with the animal.
On the advice of the Department of Health and Social Security the ship was delayed at Gravesend and
rabies vaccine given to the Captain and other persons at risk. Use of anti-serum was not advocated at this
time.
Subsequently it was ascertained that the Captain had possessed the monkey for some eight months; prior
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