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INFESTATIONS.
(a) Scabies.
During 1954 only 2 adults and 2 children forming one family
were treated by the Health Department for this disease, compared
with 2, 4, 11 and 11 in the four preceding years and a maximum
of 399 in 1944.
In view of the very small number of isolated cases now occurring
it would be preferable for them to be referred to the Medical
Officer of Health in order that the contacts can be dealt with
really effectively.
(b) Vermin.
The number of reported cases of infestation also remained
small and was limited to 18 children found to have head nits in
school. Almost all of these were only casual infestations which
immediately responded to the treatment which was mainly provided
by the parents.
THE CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
When it can be used, immunisation is the most effective of the
measures for the control of infectious disease, but its usefulness
is proportional to the degree of public support and the standard
of immunity which is maintained by reinforcing doses, if and
when these are necessary.
The comparatively small risk of inoculations influencing the
onset of poliomyelitis is now well-recognised, particularly when
precautionary measures are instituted. It should certainly not
deter parents from agreeing to immunisation against diphtheria
and whooping cough, which treatment will only be given if the
time is considered opportune by the doctor concerned, and especially
if subcutaneous injections are used as these avoid damage
to the muscles. This is now standard practice locally.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION.
As previously stated it is still very important that the parents
of all children should ensure that they are kept as highly immune
as possible against diphtheria by early immunisation and periodical
enhancing doses.
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