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So far as is known, the disease remained fairly mild in type
and no cases were admitted to hospital.
WHOOPING COUGH.
In 1954 there was a moderate increase in notifications, 131
being received, compared with 66, 196, 204, and 242 in the four
previous years. Of these only 4 cases are known to have been
admitted to hospital and all recovered. The majority of the cases
occurred between March and August, the incidence being highest
in May and August. While Kenley produced the steadiest flow
of cases, Sanderstead had the highest total with Purley a close
second. Just over 40% were children under 5 years of age and
6 babies were under 1 year. It must here be emphasised, however,
that this disease can be very serious and is often very
debilitating. The immunisation of all children against it is strongly
recommended and this treatment should be commenced by at
least the sixth month of life.
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