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The death rate continues, as will be seen, to affect in the main the older
male age groups.
The 2 non-respiratory deaths on the Table refer to infants dying of
generalised tuberculosis including meningitis contracted by contact infection
outside the family. Neither had had B.C.G. vaccination.
Non - Respiratory Tuberculosis
The 4 cases were diagnosed in outside hospitals and were all secondary
to Primary infection in the lungs. No case of bovine tuberculosis was recorded.
Respiratory Tuberculosis
With a total of 77 new cases diagnosed during the year the decrease in
Annual incidence is resumed but nevertheless confirms the presence of persistent,
infection in the borough and the need for sustained effort in the struggle to
eradicate tuberculous disease.
A minimal number of children, 5 only, were found suffering from respiratory
infection and all had a significant contact history. Examination of home contacts
and vaccination with B.C.G. of those found suitable is an essential aspect of
the Chest Clinic service and ultimate prevention of tuberculous disease in
children is to be anticipated.
Again among adults twice as many males as females contracted the disease
in the majority of all cases it proved impossible to trace the original source
infection. The hidden and unknown infector pool of ambulant infectious cases
must to a large extent be held responsible.