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Fortunately the infection was of a mild character and the patient
made an uneventful recovery; no secondary cases occurred. No other
case of smallpox has been notified in Westminster since 1942.
Typhoid Fever
One case of typhoid fever was notified during the year. The patient
was a Turkish national, on a visit to London, and it was established
that the infection had been contracted abroad.
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.
4,635 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.
Infectious Diseases—Compensation for Stopping Employment
Insured persons who are excluded from work by reason of having
been in contact with an infectious disease, can obtain benefit under the
National Insurance Act, 1946. This benefit in most cases is less than
the normal earnings of the person excluded from work, so that some
hardship has been occasioned in the past.
Section 26 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act,
1959, provides that if a Medical Officer of Health requests a person to
discontinue his employment with a view to preventing the spread of
an infectious disease, a Borough Council may, if they think fit, compensate
such person for any loss occasioned by complying with the request.
During 1960, compensation amounting to £9 8s. Was paid in respect
of one person who was excluded from work.
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