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FOOD POISONING AND DYSENTERY
Immunisation is no help in the prevention of dysentery and
the different forms of food poisoning and consequently hygienic
measures are of the utmost importance.
The food shops in the District are kept under constant supervision
and strict compliance with the Food and Drugs Act, 1955
and the Food Hygiene Regulations is insisted upon. Unfortunately
the preparation of food in the home cannot be so carefully
supervised.
Every case of food poisoning or dysentery is visited by a
Public Health Inspector and a full investigation carried out. Advice
is given with regard to the prevention of spread of infection and
prevention of a similar infection occurring again. All cases and
contacts are followed up until free from infection.
TUBERCULOSIS
There are several methods of control of tuberculosis and in
consequence both its incidence and death rates have fallen in
recent years.
Mass X-ray. This has brought to light early cases which
have been treated and rendered non-infectious in a short time.
B.C.G. Vaccination of School Children. This protects the
vulnerable under 25 years age group.
Contacts. Tracing contacts and arranging for treatment of
those found to be suffering have had a marked effect on the
prevention of spread of the disease.
Treatment. Modern treatment which includes chemotherapy
and surgery is very effective and has considerably reduced the
number of carriers in the population.
BACTERIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS
Almost all the specimens requiring bacteriological examination
in the interests of the public health are sent to the Public Health
Laboratory, West Hill House, West Hill Road, Epsom and during
1959 reports were received on the following specimens:—
Milk, ice cream and water samples 329
Food utensils 462
Nose or throat swabs 245
Faeces 1.429
Sputum 5
Animal excreta 6
Samples of milk for biological examination are sent by the
Local Authority to the Public Health Laboratory Service, while
samples of water requiring chemical analysis and Food and Drug
samples are submitted to the Public Analyst.
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