View report page

5
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The confirmed cases of Infectious Diseases were less than half of
those for 1953.
Dysentery remained at about the same level as previously, and
although there was a considerable increase in Bacterial Food
Poisoning there was a compensating decrease in those of a toxic
origin.
The figures for Measles and Whooping Cough, which had previously
increased, shewed a decline, particularly in Measles. Other decreases
were in Poliomyelitis and Scarlet Fever. There were more
cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum and Scabies during the year, and
again a heavy increase in Puerperal Pyrexia. Only 26 of the latter
notifications, totalling 76, were Southwark residents, and except in
one home confinement, the infection was developed in hospital
subsequent to admission for confinement.
IMMUNISATION
There was an appreciable increase in Diphtheria and Whooping
Cough Immunisation during 1954 for children over five, and for the
"booster" injections.
Immunisation
Under 5
years of age
Over 5
Diphtheria 148 65
Whooping Cough 85 1
Combined 1,164 22
"Booster" injections 203 737
1,600 825
Total 2,425
PUERPERAL PYREXIA (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS
1954
These Regulations amending the principal 1951 Regulations, came
into operation on January 1st. They prescribe a revised notification
form in which the cause of the disease is required to be stated, if
known, in order to distinguish cases where epidemiological action is
required.

The highest mortality rate from neoplasm of the lung and bronchus
occurred in the 65-74 age groups, that of tuberculosis between the ages of
45 to 64.