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To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Paddington
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the Annual Report of the
Medical Officer of Health for the year 1955.
Vital Statistics
There has been no marked variation in the birth rate (17.44),
death rate (10.75), or infantile mortality rate (25) to which I need
draw your attention.
Infectious Diseases
It is satisfactory to note that in the ten years 1945 to 1955, the
incidence rate of tuberculosis has fallen from 2.5 to 1.6, whilst the
death rate has fallen from 0.68 to 0.14. It may be confidently
anticipated that both rates may be still further reduced in the next
few years with the extension of the B.C.G. immunisation scheme for
school leavers, recently commenced by the London County Council.
Meantime, the importance of periodic Mass X-ray examination in
the older age groups cannot be over emphasised, for the country as
a whole shows that some 75 per cent, of the deaths from tuberculosis
occur in those over 45 years of age.
There was a great increase in the incidence of measles (1956
cases in 1955 cf. 55 in 1954), but the disease fortunately was of
a mild form. There was an increase in the incidence of poliomyelitis
(26 cases in 1955 cf. 7 in 1954). Although the incidence
of this dread disease in Paddington was considerably less than in
boroughs immediately adjoining, it nevertheless occasioned us
considerable concern. It can only be hoped that the immunisation
campaign (which is due to commence next year) will, when
sufficient supplies of vaccine become available, lead to the
eradication of this scourge, as has already happened with
diphtheria.
A case of typhoid fever notified to the department illustrates
the value of our detailed routine enquiries in protecting the general
public from the spread of infection. The patient had been
admitted to hospital and diagnosed as suffering from typhoid
fever. Enquiries at his home address revealed that the household
comprised the patient's wife and child, a cousin and his wife and
child, and an adult niece (i.e. 5 adults and 2 children). With the
exception of the patient's wife (who had been admitted to the
Maternity Ward, Charing Cross Hospital) all members of the
household submitted specimens which were found to be negative.
However, it was found that the wife had suffered from typhoid
fever in Africa about four years ago. Accordingly, Charing Cross
Hospital were asked to carry out routine tests, and these disclosed
that the wife was a carrier and the probable source of her
husband's infection. The maternity ward was closed and
appropriate action taken, including the treatment of the carrier by
the general practitioner. The cousin, employed as a dining car
attendant, was excluded from work and after consultation with the
Medical Officer of British Railways, assigned to a non-food
handling job.