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In the outbreak referred to above a symptom free family was transferred after
two swabs had proved negative, the result of a thiri not being known until after
transfer - was found to be positive. The damage had been done, and seven cases in
two families occured - all of the same phage type. However, with the co-operation
of the family doctors, the patients were kept under surveillance until cleared
by negative bacteriological examination. They made rapid recoveries.
Food Poisoning.
There were 61 cases of food poisoning, which shows an increase of seven on
the number of cases for 1959.
One death occurred, a boy of six, due to salmonella typhi-murium. He was
admitted to hospital one day after the onset with a temperature of 103° and died
within four days. The history suggested that a relative had died eight months
previously of gastro-enteritis. Investigation of the family disclosed that the
patient's brother, a child of nine months, was a symptomless excreter of the same
organism, but was cleared after treatment.
Measles.
The number of cases of measles notified during the year was 247, as compared
with 1,166 in 1959 and 86 in 1958, once more clearly illustrating the cyclic
nature of this disease.
Poliomyelitis.
During the year, four confirmed cases of poliomyelitis (paralytic) were notified.
They were unrelated in time, no source could be traced, and there were no
secondary cases recognised.
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