London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Southwark 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southwark, Borough of]
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5
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Despite a very heavy incidence of Dysentery during the year, the
confirmed cases of infectious diseases in Southwark residents were
1,190 fewer than in 1955, due chiefly to substantial decreases in
Measles and Poliomyelitis.
Food Poisoning and Pneumonia also declined but there was an
increase in Scarlet Fever.
There was one death from Whooping Cough in the 5-15 age group-
| Immunisation | Under 5 years of age | Over 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria | 43 | 67 | |
| Whooping Cough | 19 | — | |
| Combined | 1,406 | 8 | |
| "Booster" injections (all ages) | 797 | — | |
| Total 2,340 | |||
PATHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS
3,959 faeces specimens were taken by the Department for pathological
examination in connection with Dysentery cases. 944 were
from notified home cases of which 402 proved positive, and 1,085
from contacts of which 268 were positive. 449 of the remaining
1,930 " follow-up " specimens were also positive.
7 of the 9 confirmed cases (including those for Southwark residents notified to other Boroughs from hospitals in their areas) were individual cases, as follows :—
| Salmonella Typhi-murium | 5 |
| Salmonella Anatum | 1 |
| Salmonella Derby | 1 |
The remaining 2 cases were in "outbreaks" (more than one
case in a family) due to Salmonella Typhi-murium.