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THE CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE
WHOOPING COUGH
Immunisation is proving increasingly effective in the control
of this disease. It does give rise to the problem of the modified
case, however, which can spread infection. It is important that
whooping cough cases, however mild, should be excluded from
school.
The number of children immunised against this disease was
942 and 355 were given reinforcing injections.
ACUTE POLIOMYELITIS
Vaccination is proving very effective indeed in the control of
acute poliomyelitis and as the great majority of children had been
protected by vaccination the age group was extended to include
all under 25 years of age. This older group did not respond well
and it was decided to hold a Poliomyelitis Vaccination Week from
the 4th May. A great deal of preparatory work was done and the
week was very successful. The number of vaccinations carried out
was 2,000 and the propaganda released during the campaign week
continued to bear fruit for months afterwards. The photograph
on the opposite page was taken during the campaign. I should like
to thank the many volunteers who helped to make the campaign
week such a success.
The total number of persons in the South Eastern Division
who have been vaccinated against poliomyelitis since the inception
of the scheme with two injections is 31,188 and with three injections
28,771.
DIPHTHERIA
Immunisation is by far the most important preventive measure
in this disease and it is very important that parents should ensure
that their children are immunised before their first birthday and
receive reinforcing injections when 5 and 10 years old.
The number of children immunised against this disease was
945 and 1,309 were given reinforcing injections.
SMALLPOX
All children should be vaccinated before the age of three
months. Details of the number of vaccinations carried out during
the year are as follows
Number of primary vaccinations 988
Number of re-vaccinations 107
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