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SECTION E
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The total number of corrected notifications of infectious disease during
1955 was 2,114 which was considerably more than the figure for the previous year
and mainly due to the increase in the number of cases of measles which were
notified.
Diphtheria.
One case of diphtheria was notified during the year. The result of bacteriological
examination was stated to be K.L.B. positive but type not given. The
patient (male, 19 years) was transferred to another hospital but was discharged
a few days later with a corrected diagnosis of tonsillitis. A further notification
concerning this patient was received from the second hospital giving the disease
as diphtheria (faucial). The patient made a satisfactory recovery.
Poliomyelitis.
During the year 44 cases of poliomyelitis (25 paralytic: 19 non-paralytic)
were notified but diagnosis was confirmed in only 29 cases (19 paralytic: 10 nonparalytic).
There were 2 deaths from this disease.
Measles.
The number of cases of measles notified during the year was 1,559 as compared
with 40 in 1954 and 780 in 1953.
Whooping Cough.
There were 192 cases of whooping cough notified during the year as compared
with 101 the previous year. 53% occurred in children below 5 years of age and 10%
in children below 1 year. One case in the latter age group was fatal.
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