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13
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an occupational hazard to farmers, sewer workers, veterinarians, abattoir workers, and
certain other occupations.
The mode of transmission is through contact with water contaminated with urine of infected animals, as
in swimming or accidental or occupational immersion, and direct contact with infected animals.
Reservoirs of infection are farm animals including cattle, dogs and swine. In addition rats and other
rodents together with certain wild animals are frequently infected. Distribution is worldwide, in urban and
rural, developed and primitive areas.
The only case notified during 1971 was a United States Naval Serviceman, and the diagnosis was made
whilst he was in a Military Hospital within the City. This is the first instance of the disease in Westminster
since it was made notifiable by the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1968.
Malaria
The cases of malaria occurring in the City increased from four in 1970 to twelve in 1971. In each
instance the disease had been contracted abroad. All the patients were admitted to hospital.
Paratyphoid and Typhoid Fever
Seven of the eight cases of these diseases notified during the year were instances of infection occurring in
persons returning from abroad who were admitted to hospital shortly after arrival in this country. The
other case related to a young man whose father was found to be a chronic carrier of the typhoid organism,
and medical evidence suggested that the infection had been contracted from him. There were six cases of
typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Westminster in 1970.
Tuberculosis
Table 3, page 71, gives information regarding primary notifications of pulmonary and non-pulmonary
tuberculosis received during the year. Table 4, page 72, shows the age and sex distribution of all new cases
and deaths from all forms of the disease.
The tuberculosis visitors working from the chest clinics visit all tuberculous households to ascertain
home conditions and to advise patients on such matters as isolation, steps to be taken to avoid the spread of
the disease, and diet. Home contacts are urged to attend for x-ray examination or Mantoux testing, and
where necessary, B.C.G. vaccination, and to attend clinic sessions for the purpose of regular surveillance.
The tuberculosis visitors also follow up patients who do not visit the chest clinic as regularly as required,
and where rehousing is sought, their detailed reports on home conditions assist with the award of "points"
for medical priority of the family's application. Where insanitary conditions appear to exist the matter is
referred to the public health inspector for further investigation.
Whooping Cough
The number of cases of whooping cough remained low, only 14 notifications being received during 1971
compared with ten in the previous year.
MASS MINIATURE RADIOGRAPHY
During 1971 the North West and the South West London Mass X-ray Services continued to provide
regular public sessions at numerous points in Westminster. X-ray sessions incorporating a special service
aimed at the early discovery of lung cancer in men over 45 years of age were provided by the South West
London Service for personnel at the Council's Gatliff Road Depot.