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II PREVALENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS
AND OTHER DISEASES
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The year began with very mild weather, in fact it was the mildest January for 48 years, but
February was very cold with several snowfalls. The dullest March since 1916 was followed by a
cool dry April and thundery May. June and July were the sunniest for some years, whilst August
although f ine and. warm in the early part was the wettest-Ai gust for 12 years. Warm and very dry
weather was experienced in September and October. Some snow fell in late November and December
was cold and dull. Throughout the year sunshine was average, with rainfall 80% of average.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES - NOTIFICATIONS
The number of notified cases of infectious disease, corrected for revised diagnoses and
duplicate notifications, was 1,709, compared with 1,197 during the previous year.
Liaison is maintained with general practitioners and hospitals in the area by a weekly
bulletin which is circulated giving them information on the number of infectious diseases
occurring in'th^ borough during the week, the number of new claims for sickness benefit received
at local offices of the Ministry of-Social Security in the area, and other relevant information
from time to time.
A summary of notifications of infectious diseases received during the year will be found on
page 86 and a list of diseases notifiable in the borough on page 85.
ANTHRAX
No case of anthrax was reported during the year.
CANCER
Of a total of 493 deaths from cancer occurring this year 142 were due to cancer of the lung.
The death rate of lung cancer was 0.75 per 1,000 population.
DIPHTHERIA
Six cases of diphtheria were notified during the year, the first for 4 years. All cases
occurred in a family recently entering this country from Malta. The mother had requested the
Council to take the children into care, and, since they were suffering from impetigo and head
infestation, tfrey were admitted to hospital for treatment. Routine swabs were taken in hospital
and the diphtheria organism was isolated. It wonld appear that at least one of the children was a
''carrier''. Following a period of hospital treatment, the children were discharged and
arrangements were made for booster immunisations to be carried out.
DYSENTERY
Notified cases of dysentery totalled 78, compared with 40 during the previous year.
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