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occurred only in 1937 and 1940-41. On almost every occasion in which
increased numbers have occurred the majority of cases have been associated
with the Mental Hospitals. The only outstanding exceptions were
in 1925 when a large number of cases of paratyphoid due to a food infection
originating in a Croydon bakery was the chief cause, and in 1937 when
the well-known water-borne typhoid outbreak was the cause.
Dysentery.
While no less than 82 notifications of cases of dysentery were received
during 1946 this is a big reduction on the 172 cases which occurred in
1945. As in that year, however, almost all the cases, 80 in fact, were
patients in the mental hospitals, where the disease has increased very
markedly during the war, but is now gradually diminishing with the
return to a more desirable standard of accommodation.
The two cases occurring among the general population were notified
in February and June. One was definitely and the other probably suffering
from Sonne dysentery.
Cerebro-Spinal Fever.
Three cases of cerebro-spinal fever were notified during the year,
compared with one in 1945. None of the cases was in any way connected
with the others nor with any known case. All were admitted to Redhill
County Hospital, one dying on admission. The other 2 recovered.
Apart from an increase during the war years, particularly during
1940/41, very few cases of this disease have occurred in the District
during its history.
Encephalitis Lethargica.
One case of encephalitis lethargica was notified during 1946, this
being the first case since 1943. It was impossible to trace the source of
the infection from which the patient, an adult male, died in the Isolation
Hospital.
Only very occasional cases of this disease have occurred in the
District.
Poliomyelitis.
Only 1 suspected case of poliomyelitis was admitted to the Isolation
Hospital during the year but this was diagnosed as suffering from
"Influenza," the temporary paralysis disappearing completely very
shortly after admission. With the exception of 1937, when 3 cases of
poliomyelitis and 2 of polio-encephalitis were notified, the maximum
number of cases notified has been 3, with an average of about 1 case
per annum.
Pneumonia.
Sixteen cases of acute primary or influenzal pneumonia were notified
during the year, which is one less than in 1945 and about the average
for the last 4 years. The greatest number notified in any one year was
52 in 1939.
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