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general, the more definitely suspected cases, e.g., those whose symptoms
included some rigidity of the neck muscles, were admitted freely to
hospital and as expeditiously discharged for isolation at home if no
signs of paralysis developed within a week or so, the limited resources
of the hospitals having to be used to the greatest advantage.
Fortunately, only 15 persons were notified in the District, all being
admitted to or already in hospital. Three of these were definitely diagnosed
as suffering from other diseases, and a fourth was almost certainly
not a case of poliomyelitis.
Of the remaining II definite or most probable cases, 4 males and
7 females, only 8 developed paralysis, one of whom unfortunately died
after a prolonged illness. Three were discharged without permanent
defect, having probably had the disease but no paralysis, and 4 had
only slight paralysis which had disappeared on or shortly after discharge.
In addition, 2 residents developed the disease outside the District, while
two further but unnotified cases have since come to light, both in young
children, one of whom has recovered completely, the other having some
slight residual paralysis.
Residents were recommended, through the Press and other means,
to keep out in the open air as much as possible, to avoid crowds as far
as practicable, and not to indulge in very strenuous activities to which
they were not accustomed. Individual advice was also given to
numerous persons and groups who sought guidance before taking holidays,
etc.
Bearing in mind the profound influence of the Press, wireless, etc.,
on public opinion, the time appears opportune for a concerted policy
and practice to be evolved by leading representatives of these institutions
and the medical profession, whereby, in the face of epidemics,
public morale can be maintained, and only sound advice given from
the earliest phase of the outbreak. Well organised propaganda can be
a very useful weapon, but indiscriminate publicity can lead to undue
alarm and ill-considered actions, many of which latter may be unwise
or unreasonably restrictive. Co-operation in the public interest appears
to be needed.
Pneumonia.
During the year 20 notifications of acute primary or influenzal
pneumonia were received, this being very slightly more than in the last
three years, but less than in many preceding years. The very abnormal
weather conditions of the early spring had no marked effect on the
number of these cases, which were scattered over the District and
occurred chiefly in January, February and December. No cases were
admitted to the Isolation Hospital. By contrast 34 deaths occurred
from all forms of pneumonia and 30 from bronchitis, being a total
increase of 30 deaths from this group of diseases compared with the
previous year.
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