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Scabies. Only 7 cases were notified by the Head Teachers and
these were isolated cases. Public attention became focussed on
this disease towards the end of the year, since when much hasbeen
done to eradicate it locally, as will be reported in the
Annual Report for 1942.
TUBERCULOSIS.
In 1941 the case rate for new cases of Pulmonary
Tuberculosis notified was 68 per 100,000 population, compared
with 61, 56, 58 and 65 in the preceding 4 years. (The average
case rates for 1915-24 and 1925-54 were 115 and 88 respectively.;
Similarly the Non-pulmonary Tuberculosis case rate was
25 per 100,000 population compared with 16, .21, 18 and 13 in the
preceding 4 years, the average for the above-mentioned decades
being 15 and 18.
The non-pulnonary death rate was 11 per 100,000
population compared with 6 in 1940 and 9 in 1939. (In the
quinquennial periods 1915-34 the rates were 20, 9, 7 and 8.)
Similarly the death rate from Pulmonary Tuberculosis was
55 compared with 45 in 1940 but, though higher than the 21 and
27 in the two preceding years compares not so unfavourably with
the averages for the quinquennial periods 1915-34, which were
72, 57, 36 and 38.
From the above it may be assumed that there is a
slightly increased prevalence of this disease locally, but if
one were ignorant of the trend of events nationally one would be
loath to deduce a true increase in prevalence from the above
figures alone, owing to the fluctuations which occur when
dealing with small numbers.
All the methods previously used in an attempt to prevent
the spread of this disease were continued throughout the year.
AMBULANCES.
1. Infectious disease. The arrangements made for the
conveyance of cases of infectious disease remained unchanged
during the year.
2. Accident and general cases.' During the first half of the
year one of the three civil ambulances owned by the Council
remained under the control of the Fire Service but after August
all three ambulances came under the control of the Medical
Officer of Health. Staffed by the Civil Defence Casualty Service
and augmented when necessary by the Civil Defence ambulances,
the service to the public has been maintained and where possible
improved. The local Report and Control Centre staff have
assisted in dispatching the ambulances.
HOSPITALS.
No major alteration was made during the year, in the
hospitals providing for the needs of the District.
BACTERIOLOGICAL WORK & DISINFECTION.
No alteration was made in the facilities provided.
LABORATORY FACILITIES.
No alteration was made during the year in the laboratory
arrangements for the examination of samples of water, milk and
other food stuffs.
HEALTH PROPAGANDA.
This was continued chiefly through the Health Visitors
but use was also made of suitable posters, etc., in an attempt
to counter the effects of respiratory disease and popularise
diphtheria immunisation.