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14
Bronchial asthma is now one of the most common forms of lung
condition reported in the Borough, and pulmonary tuberculosis is so rare
that diagnosis almost always depends upon an X-ray rather than a clinical
examination.
Number of cases of Notified Tuberculosis in children of school age:-
Pulmonary = 11
Non-Pulmonary = Nil
The school population was 50,000 (approx.) so that the incidence
rate of pulmonary tuberculosis per 100,000 was 22. In 1965 the rate was
18/100,000. Once again there were no deaths from tuberculosis.
The scheme for vaccination against tuberculosis (B.C.G.) continued
amongst schoolchildren in their third year at secondary school. Approximately
4,392 children were eligible for this protection and 2,927 children
(approx. 66.6%) were vaccinated.
Developmental Defects
There was a sharp increase in the number of developmental defects
reported during the year. Many such defects are amenable to surgical
treatment, and the most common defect in this group is that of undescended
testicles. Correction before the onset of puberty is considered by
many to be essential so that the increased number of cases detected in
1966 is a cause for some satisfaction.
Orthopaedic Defects
There was a further increase in the number of cases of flat feet
during the year. Dr. Roberts has drawn attention to the condition of
incipient flat foot. Clinical examination confirms a weak arch of the foot
which, if left, will eventually drop. Nevertheless, no real therapy is
needed other than general exercise which can easily be provided during
a physical education lesson. It is ironic that such conditions could
benefit from bare foot activity to which the Service is generally opposed
because of the risk of plantar warts. The association between foot
defects and ill-fitting or unsuitable shoes is now well documented- It is
not easy to resist the pressures of the commercial market but a sustained
programme of health education must continue if serious foot conditions
in later life are to be prevented.
Children suffering from milder forms of spasticity (cerebral palsy)
are encouraged to attend ordinary schools and no complete record of their
disabilities is kept. 62 children with more severe forms of the condition
were known to the service on 31.12.66, and they were receiving education
as follows:—