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isolated with a positive Widal but at no time was the diagnosis confirmed by growth of the S.
typhi organism. He was transferred to a fever hospital but as he developed no symptoms he was
discharged.
The general hospital and the psychiatric hospital both use a contract laundry service
operating from an adjoining borough and the incidents called for very extensive examination of
contacts, which involved active seamen engaged on short trips between this country and the
Mediterranean, but nothing further was found.
WHOOPING COUGH
Cases notified during the year numbered 66, compared with 89 during 1967. Statistics
relating to immunisation are on page 91
TUBERCULOSIS
The number of primary notifications of pulmonary tuberculosis received during the year
was 102, giving a notification rate of 0.53 per 1,000 population compared with 0.51 last year.
Non-pulmonary cases notified numberedl9. The mortality rate for pulmonary tuberculosis was 6.2
per 100,000 population compared with 8.1 last year.
The number of cases on the register fell during the year by 62.
Statistical data relating to new cases, deaths and variations in the register will be
found on page 92
Mass Radiography
Chest X-ray by mass miniature radiography is carried out in the borough by two mobile
units of the North—East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board. Unit 6A, whose headquarters are
at the Connaught Hospital, Walthamstow, covers mainly the Stepney area of the borough whilst
Unit 6B, sited at First Avenue, Plaistow, is responsible for the Bethnal Green and Poplar areas.
I am indebted to the Medical Directors and Organising Secretaries for the information on
visits to the borough by the mobile units and on the work of the static unit during 1968 which
will be found on page 94.(Details of abnormalities ascertained are not yet available in
respect of this year's survey and those figures given relate to 1967).
Public Health (Prevention of Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1925
These regulations provide that persons suffering from tuberculosis of the respiratory
tract shall not be employed in the handling of milk or milk receptacles. Power is given to the
Council to cause such persons to discontinue their employment. It was not found necessary to
take action under the Regulations during the year.
B. C. G. Vaccination
The numbers of children vaccinated during the year, under the Council's scheme for the
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