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59
severe case cropping up for no apparent reason. There is little doubt
that, generally speaking, the disease has so lost its terrors, that there
must be quite a number of missed cases. Every year there must
people who get sore throats with rashes so slight and trivial that the
latter are not even noticed, and it is well to remember that an attack
of tonsillitis without a rash can often be a much more serious illness
than the modern type of scarlet fever.
During the year 44 cases were notified, of which only four had
to be removed to hospital. In the previous year 96 cases were
notified.
There were no " return cases," and no deaths notified.
Smallpox.
No cases occurred in the area during 1955.
The continued absence of this disease is a cause for congratulation
and thankfulness, but we have to be constantly on our guard
against its importation with the ever increasing speed of travel
between different parts of the world.
There is a steady call on the department to stamp and sign
International Certificates of Vaccination, which are not valid until
so countersigned. During the year 273 such certificates were
authenticated.
Every year re-vaccination is offered to all members of the staff
of the Health Department.
I am indebted to the County Medical Officer for the following
information showing the current position with regard to vaccination
in the Urban District.
A total of 1,022 residents received primary vaccination, and 151
re-vaccination during 1955.
Tuberculosis.
The following table shows the position with regard to tuberculosis,
with comparative figures since 1942 (as corrected by Inward
and Outward Transfers).