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2.
collections has not, however, exceeded fourteen days.
The incidence of scarlet fever and diphtheria was lower
in 1940 than in any previous recorded year in this district.
Immunisation against diphtheria was pushed vigorously throughout
the year and by the end. of the year the percentage of the peace
time child population inoculated under the age of 11 was about
38. Many more children require to be immunised and all the
publicity that can, should be given to this vital procedure.
Of 4,6ll children immunised in this Borough from the commencement
of the scheme up to the end of 1940 not one has developed
diphtheria.
During the second and third weeks of June nine cases of
Para-typhoid B Fever came to my notice. This was at a time
When there was a prevalence of this disease in other parts of
the country, and, although many investigations were made, the
cause was not found. It must be assumed, however, that there
had been some infection of some foodstuff at this time, and with
the increased handling of unwrapped foods and the employment of
more women in shops, with frequent changes in staff, such
outbreaks can only be prevented by all persons who are handling
food frequently washing their hands both before and during the
period they are working.
The increased duties placed upon the staff with the many
dislocations which occurred during the year, including the
necessary vacation of the Health Department Offices for several
weeks,placed a severe strain on everyone concerned, but the work
of the health services was not discontinued, and I am indebted
to members of the Council and to the whole of the members of my
staff and the officers of other departments for their assistance
and co-operation.
GEO. P. BRAMLEY, M.D. , Ch.B. , D.P.H, ,
Medical Officer of Health,