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Tuberculosis.
Although much progress has fortuitously been recorded in the apparent control
of tuberculosis by reason of the advent of new drugs, in recent years there has
been very little change in the number of cases notified and it is apparent that
this disease is a long way from eradication.
There were 49 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in 1958, 57 cases in 1959 and
41 cases in 1960.
The rise in 1959 does not appear to be related to the influx of immigrants
and 1960 continues to show the anticipated downward trend in notifications of
pulmonary tuberculosis. A graph illustrating this trend is shown on page 62.
If we are to obliterate this scourge, as I think is possible, there is a very
great need for every consideration to be given to the preventive approach.
Whilst in England it is considered repugnant to insist on compulsion in the
treatment of tuberculosis, from time to t me individuals are found, open cases
with positive sputum, who refuse all offers and persuasion to undergo treatment
and in London we are hampered in dealing with this type of obstruction because
of the lack of suitable legislation.
The table shown overleaf indicates the age and sex of the cases notified.
Whooping Cough.
Notifications of this disease show a considerable increase; 98 cases were
notified in 1960, 15 in 1959 and 22 in 1958. This may be related to the influx of
immigrants and also to a lack of appreciation of the necessity for immunisation
in the first year of life.
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