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INFESTATIONS.
(a) Scabies.
During 1955 no cases were treated by the Health Department
for this disease, compared with an average of 6 in the preceding
5 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 12 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 valuable of the
measures for the control of infectious disease, but its usefulness
naturally depends on the effectiveness of the vaccine, and otherwise
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 against diphtheria
and whooping cough 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 these diseases, 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.
With the introduction of two more official schemes for vaccination
against tuberculosis and poliomyelitis the question of
spacing becomes more complex and close co-operation between
all concerned is very desirable.
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. This can still be the most deadly of the
infectious diseases but immunisation against it has proved more
effective than any other form of vaccination.
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