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serological types of which are shown in Part 2 of this report. In
1968 there were 28 confirmed cases of food poisoning. As regards
infective jaundice, which became notifiable in 1968, there were 54
cases for the whole year compared with 56 for the second half of
1968. These were fairly evenly distributed and did not show any
local concentration and although they were all investigated, no
direct link was established between the illicit injection of drugs and
the incidence of jaundice. Two cases of typhoid fever were investigated,
both involving newly arrived immigrants to this country
from Asia. During the year, 132 new cases of tuburculosis came to
our notice, of which 33 were from other areas, and details of these
cases are shown in Part 2 of this report. In the previous year, new
cases numbered 164.
I referred last year to the introduction of immunisation against
measles and to the effect which it might have on the incidence of
measles in the Borough. In 1969, a total of 1,686 children were
immunised, 374 by general practitioners and 1,312 in our own clinics,
this total being slightly more than the total of 1,657 immunised in 1968
and reflecting a smaller number immunised by general practitioners
but a larger number immunised in our clinics. Unfortunately, during
the course of the year, one of the commercial vaccines in use was
withdrawn, with the result that the supply of vaccine was limited.
Had it not been for this, it is probable that the number of children
immunised against measles would have been substantially greater.
As I pointed out last year, it is difficult to make comparisons from
one year to the next as to the incidence of measles because of the
biennial incidence which is expected. As mentioned earlier, 1969
was, or would normally have been considered, a "measles year"
and there were, in fact, 1,652 cases of measles notified. Reference
back to the previous "measles year", namely, 1967, shows that
there were 2,698 cases of measles notified; in other words, 1969
saw a marked reduction over 1967. The same trend was noted
last year and I think it is reasonable to assume that this reduction
is associated with the number of children who have now been
immunised against this illness. At the time of writing, further
supplies of measles vaccine have been promised and plans have
been made for a substantial increase in the numbers to be immunised
in 1970. If this is achieved one may confidently expect that
the number of measles cases arising will progressively decline.
The Social Services Committee gave much thought during the
year to the forward planning of the community health services,
focussing particular attention on the provision of comprehensive
health centres and the day-time care of young children under five,
with special reference to day nursery facilities.
As regards comprehensive health centres, a plan covering the
Borough was put forward and approved, linking the provision of
health centres in various parts with the clinic premises already
existing. This not only provides for an ambitious health centre