View report page

Acute Polio-Myelitis and Encephalitis (Infantile Paralysis).
As already reported in the introductory letter, this country experienced its largest outbreak of Acute Polio-myelitis
and Polio-encephalitis during the year.
Paddington was fortunate in escaping with a relatively small number of cases. Every effort was made to tackle
this difficult problem, but in view of our limited knowledge regarding the spread of this disease we cannot be sure that
the efforts made had any great contributory effect on the course of the epidemic.
Considerable attention was paid to the suppression of flies. It was found to be quite unnecessary to give any
consideration to the use of swimming baths, as the public appeared to take necessary action and avoid the swimming
baths during the period of the outbreak.
The consideration of the clinical aspects of the disease are perhaps out of place in a report of this nature, but it was
evident from the number of consultations which I had with local practitioners that they were all fully alive to the
possibility of this disease occurring in the Borough. There was no lack of publicity regarding this outbreak, as was
evident from several cases which on investigation proved to be hysterical attacks.
The epidemiologist and the clinician have been gaining considerable experience during the year, and we can look
for improvements in control and treatment as a result of this experience.
MARRIAGES.—The number of marriages solemnised in the Borough was 1,948, being a rate of 30.6 persons per 1,000
of the population. This is an increase of 262 marriages over the number solemnised in 1946, when the rate of 28.6.
WATER SUPPLY.—No complaints were received during the year as to the quality of the water supplied by the Metropolitan
Water Board. The Board reported 6 cases of water being cut off owing to wastage or non-payment of rates,
this being a legal requirement. In all cases the supplies were reinstated without undue delay following appropriate
action by the Public Health Department.
On the 26th October the Minister of Health made an Order under Section 14 of the Water Act, 1945. The Order
is called The Metropolitan Northern Area (Conservation of Water) Order, 1947, and defines an area which includes the
Borough of Paddington. Briefly, the effect of the Order is that in this area a person must obtain a licence from the
Ministry before constructing a well or extending an existing well, and makes it an offence for water to be extracted in
excess of reasonable requirements, or to run water to waste. The Medical Officer of Health and the Sanitary Inspectors
have been authorised by the Council to act for the purposes of the Order.
In a report to the Ministry of Health, the Council stressed the desirability of existing wells in the London area
being licenced, and envisaged the unsatisfactory position that could develop where a large number of existing wells were
used without adequate supervision.
A survey of Paddington shows that there are nine wells or bore-holes, of which 8 have become disused and sealed
off. The remaining one is in constant use for trade purposes. Analyses of the water gives consistently good results,
and there is no wastage.
VENEREAL DISEASES.—The Borough Council is not concerned with the treatment of venereal diseases, but we assist
the Ministry of Health and the London County Council in the dissemination of information to the public by means of
posters and leaflets.