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cept 4 of the admissions to hospital, however, during 1951, which
is fewer than in the previous year.
Unnecessary hospitalisation should obviously be avoided in
view of the risks of cross infection for the patient, the absorption
of bed space and nursing manpower which might be otherwise
utilised, and the cost to the community.
ERYSIPELAS.
Only 3 cases of erysipelas were notified, compared with 4 in
each of the preceding two years. They were in no way connected
with each other, and, except for one who was a Mental Hospital
patient, were treated at their homes. All recovered.
PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
There were 3 cases notified as suffering from puerperal
pyrexia, compared with the recent average of 2 per annum. One
had been confined in hospital, another in a nursing home and the
third at her home. All recovered without being removed to
another type of establishment.
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM
No case of ophthalmia neonatorum was notified.
ENTERIC FEVER.
Eight cases of typhoid were notified, but seven of these all
being Phage Type A, occurred in the early Summer in one of the
Mental Hospitals where they were treated. The other who had
Phage Type D.l. contracted the disease in Italy and was treated
in a Nursing Home. One of the Mental Hospital cases died.
Three cases of Paratyphoid B infections were notified, two
being children and one a Mental Hospital case. All were treated
in hospital and recovered. One of the children was Phage Type
1, but the organism from the other child could not be typed.
There was no connection between the cases, and the source of
infection could not be traced.
In addition three residents were among a party who mostly
suffered from a gastro-intestinal infection while in Paris. Some
were found to be suffering from paratyphoid on returning to this
Country, but the local residents had all recovered on their return.
DYSENTERY.
There were 22 notifications of dysentery compared with 28
in 1950, but of these 16 were inmates of one of the Mental
Hospitals and one a patient of the other Mental Hospital. All
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