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partially protected children. Although a large number of school children
were investigated positive swabs were only found among children living in a
very circumscribed area near to the original case.
None of the children involved were seriously ill. In the light, however,
of experience in other areas of similar small epidemics there was always
the fear that some unimmunised child might sustain a serious infection. This
aspect itself makes all the work, (and it is considerable) of the detailed
investigation of school and home contacts very much worthwhile and I should
like to express my appreciation of the co-operation and great assistance
received from the Divisional Medical Officer of the London County Council
and his medical and nursing staff. Thanks are also due to Dr. Tomlinson of
the Public Health Laboratory Service as well as to the family doctors and
the staff of this Department.
Measles was epidemic during 1963, 911 cases being reported. Of these
63 occurred during the first year of life and a total of 627 children were
four years of age or under. Unfortunately there was one death in the former
group.
The County Medical Officer of Health has been able to report that only
one confirmed case of poliomyelitis paralytic occurred in the County of
London during 1963, the individual involved being a non-immunised adult.
It is gratifying that the position in Southwark followed a similar pattern,
no cases of the disease being reported during the year. In order that this
position may be maintained parents should ensure that their children receive
the recommended doses of polio vaccine.
Health Education.
A great deal of attention was given throughout 1963 by the officers of
of the Public Health Department to health education which now forms such a
large and important part of the work. In conjunction with the London County
Council, and arising from the experience of diphtheria in recent years, the
importance of parents ensuring that their children are adequately immunised
against not only diphtheria but also poliomyelitis, whooping cough, tetanus
and tuberculosis was stressed by posters, leaflets and personal precept.
The public health inspectors actively transmitted the message of food
hygiene into canteens and food establishments throughout the Borough with
special reference to the necessity for scrupulous personal hygiene.
Following the appointment by the London County Council of Mr.
Robertson as a Health Education Officer for the specific purpose of dealing
with smoking and health, a mobile unit equipped with publicity material,
film strips, film projector and so on visited schools and other establishments
in Southwark during July. In particular Mr. Robertson was good enough to
show a film and arrange a display for Members of the Council in one of the
Committee Rooms of the Town Hall. He indicated the manner in which he was
approaching this difficult subject and referred to the generally encouraging and
interested reception which was being accorded to him at the various establishments
which he was visiting. The Councillors present showed their own
interest in the matter by putting a number of searching questions to Mr.
Robertson which he answered both skilfully and tactfully.