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Poliomyelitis was confirmed in seven cases ; two of these were
of the nonparalytic type. There was one death. This is a large
reduction from the previous year when 26 cases were confirmed.
The differentiation between paralytic and nonparalytic forms of
this disease was not made prior to 1950.
The number of persons on the Tuberculosis register shows an
increase from 1,010 to 1,113, but the number of deaths from
Tuberculosis (all forms) shows a reduction from 54 to 49.
This apparent increase in incidence should not be regarded
with alarm. It is attributable to immigration of persons suffering
from this disease, who receive priority in housing by sending
Authorities.
MORTUARY. The Council's mortuary which was built many
years ago and proved to be obsolete by reason
of its size, design and equipment, has been closed down. Accommodation
has temporarily been afforded by the East Ham Corporation.
Negotiations are now proceeding with a neighbouring
Borough with a view to the extension and modernization of an
existing mortuary, which, when completed, should meet the needs
of the participating Authorities.
CARAVANS. Three applications for land in the Northern
part of the Borough to be used as sites for
caravans were received. In view of the inability of providing satisfactory
sanitary facilities the applications were refused. The only
appeal against the Council's decisions was dismissed by the Magistrate's
Court.
FOOD POISONING. Information was received that several children
in an Infants' School were suffering from
diarrhoea and abdominal pains. On visiting it
was found that of the 138 children on the register 16 were absent,
the cause of each case being given as diarrhoea and abdominal
symptoms. Of these, eight had taken school dinners. All four
classes were involved. I visited the school and discussed the position
with the Head Mistress. Suggestions were made to her with regard
to the control of the outbreak, and the names of the private Doctors
of the children concerned were ascertained. Following this I telephoned
these Doctors and informed them of the possibility of Sonne
Dysentery. During my interview with the Head Mistress I requested
her to supply me with any information of sickness amongst
members of the teaching and canteen staff.
Three days later a telephone message was received that a
member of the canteen staff was away ill. This lady was visited
at her home and in co-operation with her Doctor a bacteriological