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12
Poliomyelitis.
During the year notifications were received of 19 cases of Poliomyelitis;
the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed in 15 cases and in the remaining
four cases poliomyelitis was excluded. Of the confirmed cases, 11
patients had paralysis and 4 had none. The recent trend for the disease
to attack the older age groups was noticeable, 8 of these patients were
20 years of age or over and 4 under the age of 10 years.
The advice of the Medical Officer of Health was sought by several
hospitals in regard to problems arising in connection with this disease,
such for example, as the need for curtailing the work of the Ear, Nose
and Throat departments.
Smallpox.
The Medical Officer of Health was called in to investigate a suspected
case of smallpox at the request of the medical staff of a hospital.
Fortunately, smallpox was excluded.
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 from
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 3,288 certificates were authenticated during the year.