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that the advent of Whooping Cough and Poliomyelitis immunisation
in Clinics was largely responsible for this regrettable decrease in
vaccinations. It is more than ever desirable to combine immunisations
provided severe reactions are not likely to occur. At the time of writing
this Report, the number of Smallpox vaccinations carried out seems
to be returning rapidly to normal proportions.
Medical Research in which the Burroughs Wellcome Laboratory
situated in Beckenham is playing its part, is moving ahead to the
cultivation of the virus responsible for Measles, and so to the next
stage to the production of a vaccine and the necessary trials. Every
two years in Beckenham, we experience a large epidemic increase,
but 1958, an inter-epidemic year, shewed a decrease from 751 to 146
cases.
The number of food poisoning cases serious enough for notification,
were few. An investigation carried out by a working party of the
Public Health Laboratory Service in which Beckenham, among several
other authorities co-operated, found a high incidence of Salmonella
organisms in many types of feeding stuffs and fertilisers. The authors
concluded that the greatest danger from organic fertilisers is probably
to those who handle them—Gardeners and Farmers. Salmonella
organisms do not survive long when exposed to sun and rain.
Scarlet Fever varies little in severity from year to year. Most
enquiries concerning this disease are from retailers and laundry
managements with regard to their staff who have been in contact with
people who have this illness.
In conclusion, I wish to thank Dr. Elliott, Dr. Lyon and other
members of the County Staff for the helpful advice and co-operation
which I have received.
The Inspectors have tackled the problems which each year brings,
and have eagerly sought opportunities to keep abreast of the times.
I am grateful to them and to the Clerical Staff.
I thank the Chairman and Members of the Health Committee
for their continued support and for the enthusiasm and impartiality
they have shewn on all occasions.
L. R. L. EDWARDS,
Medical Officer of Health.
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