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INFECTIOUS DISEASES".
There was a considerable increase in the number of infeotious
diseases notifications during the year, as compared with the total
for both 1947 and 1946. This was duo almost entirely to a heavy
incidence of MEASLES, of which there were 1166 cases after diagnosi;
corrections, as against 705 the previous year and 775 in 1946.
Other than this, however, there has been relatively little
change since the generally satisfactory 1947 figures. DYSENTERY
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM, PUERPERAL SEPSIS, after corrections of
diagnoses, v/ere practically exactly the same as for tho previous
year. There wero only very slight increases in SCARLET FEVER and
PNEUMONIA, but SCABIES showed a marked decrease to only half the
1947 total, which was also less than half the number of cases
reported in 1946. In this connection the Scabies Order, 1941
introduced as an emergency measure during the grave spread of
thi3 complaint in the war years - ceased to be operative as from
the beginning of the year. Compulsory inspection and treatment
of patients and contacts was thereby discontinued, although
statutory notification remains in force, but it is now safe to
assume that this disease no longer constitutes any serious threat
to public health in thi3 Borough.
Despite population increases, there is relatively little
change in TUBERCULOSIS notifications or deaths, although there
is certainly a noticeable decline in non-re3piratory oases.
Amended regulations wore also made in regard to compulsory
notification of Measles and Whooping Cough during the year. This
was introduced during the war, and regarded at the time a3 likely
to be a temporary measure, but the Minister of Health has now
decided that this compulsory notification should be maintained
These diseases continue to be troublesome. MEASLES rose
to 1166 compared with the 1946/47 average of 740; this was due to
the normal cyclic epidemic, and as such was probably not unduly
serious, although four deaths were reported. 17H00PING COUGH
again continued to rise slightly despite immunisation efforts;
there were three deaths, a3 also occurred last year.
Whooping Cough Immunisation.
Children immunised during 1948: -
Under 5 years of age 1515
Over 5 years of age 22
Immunised children who
contracted the disease 60