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Immunisation against poliomyelitis began in 1956, and the number of
cases of this disease in England and Wales was lower in 1962 than it
had been for nearly half a century. Whilst this reflects great credit on
all concerned, there is no reason for complacency. It would be dangerous
now to relax the efforts that have been made to secure a high degree of
protection; and every endeavour should be made to raise the number of
persons, and especially of children, who are vaccinated against poliomyelitis.
Paratyphoid Fever
Three notifications of paratyphoid fever were received in 1962.
The first related to a young woman of 24 years, who contracted the
infection while touring in the Mediterranean area. She was admitted to
hospital in August, 1962, on her return to London.
An elderly Egyptian visiting this country in August, 1962, was
investigated by his doctor because of a persistently raised temperature—
paratyphoid fever was not suspected. Blood tests, however, revealed
the condition and the patient was admitted to hospital for treatment.
He returned to Cairo on discharge from hospital in September.
The third notification was in respect of a young girl of 12 years of
foreign origin who was admitted to hospital in September, 1962. It was
not possible to ascertain where she had contracted the infection, but as
she had only recently arrived in this country it was assumed that this had
occurred during her travels in Europe. No other members of her family
were affected.
All three patients made a satisfactory recovery.
Typhoid Fever
During 1962, two cases of typhoid fever were notified. One, a man of
62 years, returned to this country in October, 1962, after travelling
extensively in Europe, where it must be assumed he contracted the
infection.
The second notification was in respect of a young Indian woman of
31 years, travelling from Delhi, where her husband had been stationed,
via Bombay to England by sea. Her illness was diagnosed on board ship
as pneumonia, but by the time the family had reached London in October,
typhoid fever was confirmed. No other members of the family contracted
the infection.
Both patients made a satisfactory recovery.
Puerperal Pyrexia
Fourteen notifications of puerperal pyrexia were received during 1962.
All the cases but one occurred in hospitals. Of these only eight were
normally resident in Westminster.
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