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tively high casualties still occurring. Treatment has become increasingly
successful, especially in those cases which are recognised
early, but sufferers are out of action for quite long periods compared
with those suffering from other infections.
Undoubtedly the improvements in nutrition, housing and
other factors affecting our standard of living, have made a major
contribution to the success in dealing with this disease. The wider
use of Mass X-ray Units has helped in early diagnosis, while still
more recently, skin testing combined with B.C.G. immunisation has
been used in an endeavour to increase immunity in those groups
which are especially exposed to heavy infection.
All can assist in this battle, individual residents by maintaining
their general health and accepting regular examinations, together,
if necessary, with early treatment; the District Councils in their
housing policy, the County Councils in their provision of clinics,
after-care, etc., and the Regional Hospital Boards by their arrangements
for treatment.
The Mass X-ray Unit visited this District in September 1957,
when 3,937 residents attended which was a disappointingly low
total, but many residents can and do avail themselves of facilities
at their work or in London, Croydon and the surrounding Districts.
The opening early in 1958 of the ad hoc Chest Clinic in Purley
Hospital was most welcome, as it will not only provide better
accommodation for patients and staff, and liberate needed space
at the County Council Clinic, but give opportunities for improved
diagnosis and treatment facilities.
NON-NOTIFIABLE INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
Less is inevitably known of infectious diseases which doctors
are not required to notify because they are normally not very
serious. Informal arrangements are, however, made each year for
a few selected doctors to act as 'Spotters' in case influenza breaks
out, and all are welcome to help in passing on information of any
unusual outbreaks. The death returns and the sickness returns
of the Ministry of Labour also help confirm the presence of influenza,
as do those of the Head Teachers, who are also required
to notify absences due to any infectious disease. The latter were
especially valuable in 1957, for they indicated the arrival of "Asian
Flu" in this District in September.
This outbreak, which originated in the Far East and first
appeared in the North of England earlier in the year, appeared to
attack primarily children of school age among whom there was a
high absentee rate. A variety of other ill-defined forms of sickness
contributed to this, however. Among this age group the influenza
was not severe, but the results were sometimes more serious towards
the end of the year when adults chiefly suffered. Fortunately,
the epidemic could not be compared in extent or severity with the
notorious 1919 pandemic.
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