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INFECTIVE DISEASES
The number of deaths from all notifiable infectious diseases was
113. This included 36 from all forms of tuberculosis and 72 from the
notifiable forms of pneumonia. There were four deaths from poliomyelitis
and one death from measles.
From all notifiable infective diseases the death-rate was 0.34 per
1,000.
Table IV shows the number of cases of the notifiable diseases
reported, arranged in age groups, and Table V shows the same figures
arranged in the sub-district in which they occurred.
Smallpox
No case occurred in the Borough during the year.
Notification is received from Port and Local Authorities of persons
coming into the Borough who may have been in contact with Smallpox.
Observation for the necessary period is kept on these persons by
members of the Public Health Department.
Diphtheria
A number of cases reported as suspected diphtheria were investigated,
but in one case only, that of a boy aged 6 years, admitted to
hospital, was the diagnosis confirmed. This diagnosis was based on
clinical evidence only, as no subsequent bacteriological confirmation
was obtained. Nose and throat swabs from all other members of
the patient's family were bacteriologically examined and found
negative.
Scarlet Fever
Two hundred and thirty-five cases were notified compared with
202 in 1956 and 289 in 1955. The diagnosis was not confirmed in two
cases.
No deaths occurred.
Whooping Cough
Three hundred and forty-five cases were notified.
There were no deaths.
Measles
The number of cases notified during the year was 3,802 compared
with 677 in 1956, 5,206 in 1955 and 303 in 1954.
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