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to treatment if ill. -0 This matter was brought to the notice of the London Executive
Committee - and with the willing co-operation of the local General Practitioners
the difficulty was overcome.
Measles
The number of cases of measles notified during the year was 1.010 as compared
with 392 in 1956 and 1,559 in 1955. This follows the normal pattern of measles
epidemics which prior to the war showed a fairly clearly marked two-year cycle in
which a high peak was reached in alternate years, the intervening years being
marked by relative freedom from the disease.
Poliomyelitis
During the year 10 cases of poliomyelitis (6 paralytic: 4 non-paralytic)
were notified but diagnosis was confirmed in only 8 cases (5 paralytic; 3 nonparalytic).
There were no deaths from this disease.
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 apparent that in spite of modern therapeutic aids and improved diagnostic
facilities this disease is only being held in check and is a long way from eradication.
The local Chest Physician has sought my co-operation on a number of instances
where persons suffering from tuberculosis and with a positive sputum have refused
to accept any form of treatment. In most cases a satisfactory outcome was achieved.
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