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INFECTIOUS DISEASES
POLIOMYELITIS
Two Hornsey children of school age suffered from poliomyelitis during
the year, the disease proving fatal in one case.
The scheme for vaccination against this disease was extended during
the year, and the progress made is referred to on page 74 of this report.
MEASLES
Following the high incidence in 1957, the number of notified cases of
measles in 1958 was higher than expected, namely 652 cases. Only 14
patients were over the age of 10 years.
17 children were admitted to hospital but all made uneventful recoveries;
there were no deaths.
DYSENTERY
Fifty-one cases of dysentery occurred during the year, the causal
organism being in all cases shigella sonne. A minor outbreak occurred at
food premises in the Borough in which six employees suffered from
diarrhoea. On bacteriological examination shigella sonne were isolated
from specimens submitted by three of them, but the other three proved
negative. The premises were visited and arrangements made for specimens
to be submitted from all members of the staff. The firm's medical officer
met representatives of the Health Department and every possible precaution
was taken. Later, as a result of inspection made at the time of
the outbreak extensive work was undertaken which resulted in considerable
improvement in amenities for the staff and a higher standard
of hygiene generally.
The only other matter of note was the need to exclude a baker from
duty for a short time as he was found to be positive to shigell sonne.
Compensation was paid by the Borough Council under the Public Health
Act for a period of nearly three weeks, £6 18s. Od in all being paid.
FOOD POISONING
In January Circular 5/58 was received from the Minister of Health with
revised Memorandum 188/Med on investigation of food poisoning. Provision
is made for inclusion in the return of cases which have not been
notified under the Food & Drugs Act but have been ascertained by the
Medical Officer of Health through other channels and also for a separate
return of Salmonella infections which are not considered to be foodborne.
Medical practitioners were reminded of the value of prompt
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