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11
Sonne Dysentery, which has been very troublesome throughout
London, affected particularly the Half-way House in Seven Sisters Road,
and Woodberry Down. It caused no fatalities and although an intestinal
condition, it is not comparable in any way with the forms of Dysentery
occurring in tropical countries. This infection remains prevalent by
reason of the fact that so many persons who are infectious are otherwise
in good health and also because the condition is generally so mild in itself,
very often consisting only of some discomfort, ceasing in 12 to 24 hours.
During the year there were no cases of Poliomyelitis, PolioEncephalitis
or Puerperal Pyrexia. Scarlet Fever was very mild in
character, and although there was one case of Typhoid Fever the disease
did not spread and the patient recovered.
Again there was no case of Diphtheria; the years 1947 and 1949 were
also free from a case of Diphtheria.
An interesting investigation into atmospheric pollution commenced in
January, 1951, and a full set of readings of the apparatus was obtained
for the year. A note on the method and results is contained in the report.
It would appear on the whole that Stoke Newington is more sinned
against than sinning in respect of atmospheric pollution.
The Department has worked throughout the year as a team and each
member of the Department has given the most efficient and conscientious
attention to his or her duties. My report for the year 1950 was expected
to be my last Annual Report and in that, and previous reports, I mentioned
the general scheme of administration and I expressed my thanks
to members of the staff. Responsibility varies, of course, but I feel that
since each member of the Department has worked so well and so loyally,
it would be perhaps invidious to make again any special mention of any
officer of the Department. I do state most emphatically that the Public
Health Committee and the Council should realise that the staff of the
Public Health Department have carried out their duties in a way that is
worthy of the highest commendation, and the Borough has reason to be
grateful in that respect.
I have also to express the thanks of the Department and myself to the
Public Health Committee and to the Chairman of the Public Health
Committee, Councillor D. F. A. Fox, whose support and interest in the
work have encouraged the Department so consistently throughout the
years of his Chairmanship. I have never, in my experience, had more
considerate and unfailing assistance from any Chairman, and moreover,
Councillor Fox has always been immediately available for discussion and
consultation in the problems which have arisen from time to time.
G. H. Dart,
Medical Officer of Health.