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SECTION E
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
The total number of corrected notifications of Infectious disease during
1961 was 1607 as compared with 623 for the previous year.
This increase was mainly due to the number of cases of measles notified.
DIPHTHERIA.
There were no confirmed cases of diphtheria in the Borough during the
year. However, 3 suspect cases were brought to the attention of the Department.
Two proved to be suffering from tonsillitis and the third from aseptic meningitis.
It was ascertained in 1961 that over 70% of the under 16 population of
London had been protected against this disease yet this fact does not give
any grounds for complacency - the immunisation level is still too low. The
target should be 100% or as near as possible to that figure.
DYSENTERY.
The number of cases notified and confirmed during the year was the same
as the previous year (23). The majority of cases were isolated and not connected.
In every case where dysentery is suspected swabs are taken from
patients and their families, and an exhaustive investigation to trace cause
and possible source of infection. Close co-operation is maintained with
General Practitioners in all these matters.
FOOD POISONING.
Notifications for this disease amounted to 30 in comparison with the
last year's total of 61. There were no outbreaks and most cases were isolated
and not connected in any way.
MEASLES.
The early part of the year was marked by an outbreak of measles, which
continued until June and then declined rapidly. Totals for the past three
years are as follows
1961 1,333
1960 247
1959 1, 166
POLIOMYELITIS.
Two cases of poliomyelitis occurred in 1961. Both were paralytic.
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