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II. PREVALENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS
AND OTHER DISEASES
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The year began with a mild and changeable January, but cold at the end of the
month. A dull and unsettled February was followed by a fine and warm March. Unsettled
and cool weather was experienced in April and May, the Spring Bank Holiday being the
coldest in London since 1941. June was exceptionally cool - the coldest in London for
at least 25 years . The cool weather continued into July, but a fine warm spell arrived at
mid-month. It was the driest August in London since 1947 and the coldest September
for 20 years. October was another dry month, November having alternate spells of stormy
and bright weather. The mean temperature in December was slightly above normal.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES - NOTIFICATIONS
The number of notified cases of infectious diseases, corrected for revised diagnoses
and duplicate notifications, was 980 compared with 619 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 numbers of infectious
diseases occurring in the 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 56 and a list of diseases notifiable in the borough on page 55.
ANTHRAX
No case of anthrax was reported during the year.
CANCER
Of a total of 546 deaths from cancer occurring this year 149 were due to cancer
of the lung. The death rate of lung cancer was 0.93 per 1,000 population, an increase
of 30% since 1965.
CHOLERA
No case of cholera was notified during the year.
DIPHTHERIA
No cases of diphtheria were notified during the year.
DYSENTERY
Notified cases of dysentery totalled 96, compared with 39 during the previous
year.
FOOD POISONING
Twenty seven cases of food poisoning were notified during the year compared with 68
in 1971. Salmonella typhi-murium was isolated in 6 instances. Other Salmonella organisms
isolated included 1 bredeney and 6 agosa. Clostridium welchii was discovered in 2 cases.
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