View report page

12
Diphtheria.
This is the fourth year in succession in which the City has been free
from this disease. It must be emphasised, however, that this freedom
must not give rise to complacency or lessening of vigilance. The need
for protecting their infants by immunization cannot be too strongly
impressed on the parents. Diphtheria was until recently a terrible
scourge in this country, and it may reappear.
Facilities for immunization are available at all the child welfare
clinics in the City.
Smallpox.
The Medical Officer of Health on two occasions during the year
investigated cases of suspected smallpox at the request of the medical
staff concerned. One case was at a hospital and the other at an hotel
in the City. Fortunately, in both cases, smallpox was excluded.
Eight persons who had arrived in the City and who had been in
contact with a case of smallpox on a steamship were kept under surveillance
by officers of the department during the period of incubation. None
developed the disease.
International Certificates of Vaccination and Inoculation.
Arrangements continued during the year for the authentication by
the Medical Officer of Health of International Certificates of Vaccination
and Inoculation completed by medical practitioners in Westminster.
These certificates are required by passengers proceeding abroad irom
this country and the purpose of the authentication is to provide proof
to those health authorities abroad who desire it that the signature of the
person issuing the certificate is that of a registered medical practitioner.
Some 3,296 certificates were authenticated during the year.