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15
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The outbreak of measles which developed during the last quarter of
1966 rose to a peak in February (2150 notifications), fell sharply in March,
and thereafter subsided more slowly; it was not until August that monthly
notifications fell below 100. There was one death from measles in an
infant of 13 months.
There was a sharp fall in the number of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis
notified during 1967. Deaths from all forms of tuberculosis were one
more than in 1966.
There were no cases of diphtheria or poliomyelitis.
In late October/early November following the report of a case of smallpox
in an adjoining borough several persons in Croydon were'seen, and
where necessary kept under suveillance by the Principal Medical Officer.
In only one case was there any proven contact with the infected household;
vaccination of the person concerned and his immediate circle was carried
out.
During the year two separate small groups of cases of hand foot and
mouth disease came to attention (this condition has no connection whatsoever
with foot and mouth disease in cattle). The first, in June, affected a
family of four; the second, in November, concerned four young children
from three neighbouring families in close contact. The casual virus was
identified in both groups as Coxsackie A 16.
For detailed tables of communicable diseases see Appendix, page 125.