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11
Other Diseases.
Eight persons were notified as suffering from Meningitis, six
of whom were treated in the Isolation Hospital, two being treated
at home. In the table showing the causes of death it will be seen
that two persons died from-Cerebro-spinal Meningitis. Both these
cases occurred in Acton residents temporarily living outside the
Borough at the time of the illness, and the notification of their
illness sent to the Medic'al Officer of Health of the area in which they
were temporarily residing.
During the year eight cases of diphtheria were admitted to the
Isolation Hospital, although in all some twenty-four cases were
admitted but were later found not to be suffering from diphtheria.
There were two deaths from diphtheria—both boys between
five and fifteen years of age. Neither had been immunised although
the parents had been repeatedly advised to avail themselves of
prophylactic treatment.
During the year every endeavour has been made to immunise
as many children as possible, with the result that 1,063 were
inoculated, (783 were under, and 280 over five years). 166 reinoculations
were carried out and 56 were found to be Schick negative
after three years.
As requested by the Health Committee, the report on the present
position as regards diphtheria immunisation is included in the
Report below.
REPORT ON DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION.
1932-1942.
Diphtheria immunisation was introduced in Acton by my
predecessor, Dr. Thomas, in 1932. During 1932 and 1933 a diphtheria
epidemic occurred in which there were 312 notified cases with 44
deaths. During each succeeding year immunisation has been
carried out and the number of cases of diphtheria during that period
has been 312 with 29 deaths. In the Annual Report of the M.O.H.
for 1933 will be found details of the work carried out, which are
embodied in this report.
Propaganda. All the births in the Borough are notified to the
Public Health Department, and as soon as a child is six months old
a letter is sent to the parents giving information as to the benefits of
immunisation against Diphtheria, together with place and time where
this can be carried out. When the consent is obtained an appointment
is made as soon as possible.
In the course of daily visits both to homes and schools the
Health Visitors advise parents of the need of immunisation. School
teachers have also been requested to co-operate in this field and
have been of great service.