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19
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Measles
There were fewer cases notified than in 1969, but as it was a nonepidemic
year the actual figure made it clear that vaccination was not
eradicating this infection. Efforts to improve acceptance were initiated
in anticipation of the increased prevalence due in 1971.
The control of less serious illnesses by active immunisation is
always difficult as the case for vaccination is less impressive, and it is
essential not to exaggerate to parents, risks and advantages. However
measles vaccination does seem to have achieved not only a significant
reduction in the number of cases of measles, but it has spread them
throughout the year and thus avoided the peak demands on medical
services and the disruption of schools formerly occasioned by massive
outbreaks concentrated during the winter months.
There were no cases of Diphtheria or Poliomyelitis, despite the reappearance
of the former disease elsewhere. The single case of typhoid
fever was associated with infection acquired abroad, and two cases of
paratyphoid fever were infected on holiday away from Croydon.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
As judged by aggregate figures of the clinic at the Croydon General
Hospital and returns from the major treatment centres in the London area,
there was a small increase in the number of cases of gonorrhoea, and a
fall in those due to syphilis. "Other conditions" which may include non
specific infections difficult to cure increased sharply in comparison with
former years. Contact tracing was carried out by the staff of the department
in response to requests from the treatment centres. The usual posters were
exhibited, stressing for those who may be infected the need for diagnosis
and effective treatment, and detailing the centres where this is available.
The risk of contracting such illnesses from promiscuous partners is included
in our general health education programme to older school children.
Following the pattern of this comment the subject comes within the general
heading of communicable diseases, with the necessary emphasis that avoidance
of this group of infections rests largely with the individual.
For detailed table of Communicable diseases see Appendix, pages 133
and 142.
Immunisation
The timing and schedules remained unaltered, and programmes were unchanged.
Computer facilities were still not available, but acceptance rates
were slightly increased. In November vaccination of schoolgirls in their 14th
year of age against Rubella was commenced. This is a new departure since
protection rs not for the benefit of the individual vaccinated, but for children
who may subsequently be conceived. It seems a rational procedure but confirmation
must await future results. 773 girls were vaccinated against rubella in
1970, without any significant reactions being recorded. For other figures see
Appendix page 137.