View report page

4
As regards the notification of infectious diseases in the Borough,
there were over 500 cases notified. The majority of these cases
were attributed to measles and whooping cough, scarlet fever and
diphtheria being very low during the year. I feel that the Council
may congratulate themselves that there has been no large major
epidemic during the year having regard to the fact that for a
considerable part of the year one of the large sewers in the town
was under repair. Under the conditions in which we now live, when
our water supply or sewerage sytsem may be disrupted, all
precautions have to be taken to prevent epidemics developing, it is
very fortunate that there have been no cases of enteric fever during
the year.
Of the minor infectious and contagious diseases, and with regard
to their seriousness on health, scabies appears to be definitely
on the increase and every endeavour has been made to treat people
who are known to be suffering from this unpleasant ailment. For
some years now, scabies has been on the increase in this Borough,
and when people were living in shelters it was not surprising that
under the close conditions in which they lived with their fellow
people, that one case of scabies could infect others. Although
no case was traced in Acton to this cause, it was necessary to take
all precautions to prevent an increase in scabies, by canying out a
thorough treatment of any person known to be suffering from this
complaint.
Civil Defence still plays an important part in the work of the
Borough, and every endeavour is made for the personnel to be
housed at their Depots in a reasonable state of comfort. I still feel
that it is my duty to inform you of the satisfactory manner in
which the Civil Defence Casualty Services have been trained and
their knowledge maintained by various tests that are being carried
out. During this year a First Aid Party competition was arranged
for the members of Stretcher Party Service and those of you who
witnessed this competition will well remember the smart and efficient
way in which the teams in the finals carried out first aid work set
for them in the competition. I feel that the Casualty Service have
carried out their duties, however trying and tedious, in a manner as
fine as in 1940.
I should like to thank the Staff of the Public Health Department
for their kind co-operation and loyalty throughout the year.
I remain,
Your Obedient Servant,
GEORGE E. B. PAYNE.