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49
Measles.
Ifce number of cases of measles notified during the year was 392 as compared
with 1,559 in 1955 end 40 in 1954. This shows a slight deviation from the pattern
of measles epidemics which nrior to the war showed a fairly clearly marked twoyear
cycle in which a high peak was reached in alternate years, the intervening
years being marked by relative freedom from the disease.
Whooping Cough.
There were 174 cases of whooping cough notified during the year as compared
with 192 the previous year. 58% occurred in children below 5 years of age and 13%
in children below l year. This disease shows little variation over the years and
in view of the age group attacked, predominantly in children below 5 years, it
must still be regarded as one of the most serious diseases of childhood because
of the possibility of sequelae.
Tuberculosis.
Notifications show little change from last year but when it is realised that
every case arises from a previous case which is in an active phase of the disease
it is aDparent that in spite of modern therapeutic aids and imnroved diagnostic
facilities this disease is only being held in check and is a long way from
eradication.