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6.
Notifications of Infectious Diseases totalled 718 as compared with
680 for 1958, the increase being due to a higher number of cases of measles.
Two cases of poliomyelitis occurred and one case was removed to hospital.
44 new cases of respiratory tuberculosis were notified during 1959.
459 bacteriological specimens were sent for examination to the
laboratory at County Hall and I wish to thank Dr. Tomlinson and his staff
for their invaluable help and assistance.
17 notices were served under the Food Hygiene Regulations and subsequent
visits by the Inspectors showed the necessary works to comply with the regulations
either completed or in course of completion.
Health Education was continued by the display of posters and the issue
of leaflets and pamphlets on many important public health matters, including
food hygiene, infectious disease and accidents in the home.
87 samples were taken during the year under the Food and Drugs Act.
One informal sample of milk was found to be deficient in milk fat, but a
subsequent formal sample from the same purveyor was found to be satisfactory.
An informal sample of ammoniated tincture of quinine was found to be deficient
in ammonia and a subsequent formal sample was also found to be deficient
in ammonia. Warning letters were sent to the packers and the
retailers.
Stoke Newington has continued to press ahead with its application of
the Clean Air Act. During 1959 the Stoke Newington (No.2) Smoke Control
Order came into operation. Areas No.3 and No.4 were approved by the Council
and in June 1959, the Minister of Housing and Local Government confirmed the
Order in respect of Area No.3. It is proposed to make a total of 10 Smoke
Control Orders, the last of which will come into operation on 1st October,
1964. During 1959, a total of 2,532 visits were made in carrying out detailed
surveys and a further 767 visits were made to advise on the adaptation
of fireplaces and other matters. Further details, together with a map
showing the Smoke Control Areas can be found in the main body of the report.
On 31st December, the Cleansing Station was closed down. Alternative
arrangements for the cleansing of schoolchildren were made by the London
County Council, while the cleansing of adult residents and children under 5
years would be dealt with at the Islington Cleansing Station. I am grateful
to the Islington Borough Council for assisting in this respect and particularly,
Dr. Freeman, Medical Officer of Health, Islington, whose efforts
made this possible.
My thanks are expressed to the Chairman and Members of the Public
Health Committee for their support and to the Chief Officers of other
Departments for their help and co-operation.
Finally my thanks are extended to my Deputy and to the members of the
staff of the Public Health Department for their assistance throughout the
year.
S. KING.
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.