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23
THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF TUBERCULOSIS
Dr. R.H.J. Fanthorpe, M. D., M. R. C.P.
Chest Physician
Measures for the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis
are directed from the chest clinic and the results during 1961
may be regarded as satisfactory.
The number of deaths from all forms of Tuberculosis during
1961 was 21 which shows and increase of 1 when compared with
196a
The number of new cases of tuberculosis diagnosed during the
year shows an increase when compared with 1960, and there are
several factors which would account for this.
During 1960 there was no Mass X-Ray survey in the Borough
whereas in 1961 there was such a survey and 25 cases of tuberculosis
were notified as a direct result of this. In addition the
number of new cases of tuberculosis diagnosed as a result of
contact examination has risen. This is seen particularly in the
symptomless child contacts who were found to be suffering from
primary tuberculosis. I consider that the increased incidence
in the current year is an isolated finding and need not cause
undue concern that tuberculosis is increasing in this area.
The General Practitioner Miniature x-Ray service continues
to function in a satisfactory way and is well used by the Local
Practitioners.
The results of this service are summarised below:-
Number of miniature films taken 3,913
Number of patients recalled for examination and
large film 736
Number of active cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis 31
Number of cases of lung cancer found 27
It will be seen that the number of patients found suffering
from Pulmonary Tuberculosis represents a rate of 7.92 per 1,000
which compares favourably with the figure of 1.1 per 1,000 from
Public Mass X-Ray Surveys. It should be realised that patients
referred to the clinic for Miniature X-Ray usually have chest
symptoms whereas many patients attending public Mass Radiography
sessions have no symptoms.