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12
Malaria
There were twelve cases of malaria occurring in the City during the year. In each instance the disease
had been contracted abroad. All the patients were admitted to hospital.
Paratyphoid and Typhoid Fever
Two notifications of typhoid fever were received during the year. One related to a person who had
visited Spain, and the other to a traveller returning from India.
No cases of paratyphoid fever were notified during the year.
Tuberculosis
Table 3, page 62, gives information regarding primary notifications of pulmonary and non-pulmonary
tuberculosis received during the year. Table 4, page 63, shows the age and sex distribution of all new cases
and deaths from all forms of the disease.
The tuberculosis visitors working from the chest clinics visit all tuberculous households to ascertain
home conditions and to advise patients on such matters as isolation, steps to be taken to avoid the spread
of the disease, and diet. Home contacts are urged to attend for X-ray examination or Mantoux testing, and
where necessary, B.C.G. vaccination, and to attend clinic sessions for the purpose of regular surveillance.
The tuberculosis visitors also follow up patients who do not visit the chest clinic as regularly as required,
and where rehousing is sought, their detailed reports on home conditions assist in the award of "points" for
medical priority of the family's application. Where insanitary conditions appear to exist the matter is
referred to the public health inspector for further investigation.
Whooping Cough
The number of cases of whooping cough was very low, only one notification being received during 1972
compared with fourteen in the previous year.
MASS MINIATURE RADIOGRAPHY
During 1972 the North West and the South West London Mass X-ray Services continued to provide
regular public sessions at numerous points in Westminster
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATES OF VACCINATION AND INOCULATION
Arrangements continued for the authentication by the Medical Officer of Health of international
certificates of vaccination and inoculation completed by medical practitioners in Westminster. These
certificates are required by persons proceeding abroad from this country and the purpose of the authentication
is to provide proof to those health authorities abroad who desire it that the signature of the person
issuing the certificate is that of a registered medical practitioner. After normal office hours, at weekends
and on public holidays, certificates can be authenticated upon application to the Duty Officer at City Hall.
During the year under review 25,903 (34,230) such certificates were authenticated, the demand being
largely due to people going abroad for holidays. Travellers to known or possibly infected areas were
advised as a precaution to be vaccinated. Travellers to Britain from endemic areas were required to produce
an international certificate of vaccination on arrival. Arrangements were continued for travellers not in
possession of a certificate to be kept under surveillance.
The Medical Officer of Health also issues, on request and in appropriate circumstances, certificates to
the effect that no cases of smallpox have occurred in the district during the preceding month. The
certificates, of which 9 (24) were issued during 1972, were sought by persons proceeding to the United
States of America who did not wish to submit to vaccination.