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18
Typhoid Fever
Two cases of Typhoid fever were notified during the year.
One, a man living alone, had been in the Eastern Mediterranean
shortly before his illness, and it was presumed that he had been infected
there.
In the other case the causative organism was found to be similar to
one known to infect the water around West Mersea. The patient, like
several others in various parts of the country, had eaten oysters which
came from West Mersea. Samples of oysters taken subsequently from
various restaurants within the City were found to be in first class
condition.
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.
4,096 certificates were authenticated during the year.
The Medical Officer of Health also issues, on request and in appropriate
circumstances, certificates to the effect that no cases of smallpox have
occurred in the district during the preceding two weeks. These certificates
are sought by persons proceeding to the United States of America
who do not wish to submit to vaccination. It is understood that the
United States immigration authorities reserve the right to place such
persons under surveillance notwithstanding the production of such a
certificate.