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Measleso
The number of cases of measles notified during the year was 86 as compared
with 1,010 in 1957 and 392 in 1956. 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 2 cases of poliomyelitis (1 paralytic: 1 non-paralytic) were
notified but diagnosis was confirmed in only 1 case (1 paralytic). There were no
deaths from this disease.
Tuberculosiso
Notifications again 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.
It is probable that the infected dust, due to particles from dried sputum
droplets less than 5 microns in size, is the predominant cause of the spread of
tuberculosis. Particles of this size and smaller can easily penetrate into the
recess in the lung and be retained and it is of some significance that these
are of the same order of magnitude as the tubercle organism.
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
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