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SECTION E
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The total number of corrected notifications of infectious disease during 1957
was 1,476 which was nearly double the figure, 882, for the previous year and mainly
due to the increase in the number of cases of measles 1,010 and 392 respectively,
which were notified.
Diphtheria
It is gratifying to report that no cases of diphtheria were notified during
the year but it must be emphasised that this has been achieved by a vigorous policy
of immunisation and if diphtheria is not to re-appear asakilling disease constant
vigilance is required and there must be no apathy on the part of the public in
availing themselves of immunisation facilities as this degree of freedom from this
serious disease will only be maintained if at least 80 per cent of the susceptible
population are immunised and an alarming feature is that owing to the virtual
disappearance of this disease there is a tendency to disregard its seriousness
and the percentage of immunisation is barely being maintained at a satisfactory
level in spite of vigorous propaganda campaigns.
Dysentery
During the year there were several small, isolated, family outbreaks of sonnei
dysentery apparently unconnected but three incidents require comment.
A small outbreak occurred in a local hospital. On investigation, in consultation
with the Ward Medical Officers, it appears that the infection was brought
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