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99
COUNTY BOROUGH OF CROYDON
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER
FOR THE YEAR
1955
To the Chairman and Members of the Education Committee.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
I have the honour to present for your consideration the
Annual Report of the Principal School Medical Officer for the
year ending December 31st, 1955.
Routine Medical Inspections
The timing of the four routine inspections was considered
by the Committee during the year. Following consultation with
the Head Teachers, it was agreed that in future two inspections
during the period of primary and two during the period of secondary
education should be the rule. The fall in the total number
of examinations during 1955 reflects staff absences.
Infectious Diseases
A mild, but very catching bowel infection, called Sonne
Dysentery, gave much trouble, especially at two particular
schools. This illness is dangerous only to very young, very
old or debilitated persons. In young children it causes diarrhoea
and often vomiting and fever. The acute illness is generally
over in a few days and may be so slight that it is deemed merely
an ordinary digestive upset of childhood.
In adults, infection may occur without any symptoms and
becomes known only after laboratory tests. The spread of