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20
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
During the year there were 978 cases of infectious diseases
notified, as compared with 1,430 during 1951. Of the total cases
609 were in respect of measles.
Diphtheria.
One case of Diphtheria occurred during the year in a girl aged
6 years who had not been immunized against the disease. The
child recovered and was discharged from hospital after 9 weeks'
treatment.
Scarlet Fever.
There were 168 cases of Scarlet Fever notified during the year,
the highest number since 1937. Although the number of cases in
recent years has remained quite high, the disease has been of a
very mild character and there have been no deaths since 1934.
Acute Encephalitis.
A case of Acute Encephalitis following measles occurred during
the year. The patient, a boy aged 5½ years, developed encephalomyelitis
two days after the measles rash appeared. He was in a
stupor for fourteen days and showed cerebellar signs. The child
recovered completely after nine weeks in hospital.
Poliomyelitis.
Of the three cases of Poliomyelitis notified, two had paralysis.
There were no deaths from this disease.
Typhoid Fever.
During the year three cases of Typhoid were notified:—
A girl aged 10 years was admitted to hospital with suspected
Cerebral Spinal Fever. Typhoid Fever was diagnosed and upon
enquiries being made it was found that the patient had spent a
holiday at West Mersea about one month before admission to