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51
POLIOMYELITIS.
A total of 67 cases of poliomyelitis were notified in the borough
from July to December, the diagnosis being confirmed in 46 cases
or 0.25 per 1,000 population at all ages. The first case occurred
at the end of July and the outbreak rapidly increased to a maximum
during August and September and then gradually declined during
the last three months of the year.
The disease mainly affected the more heavily populated
residential areas of the borough, especially Greenford, Perivale
and South Ealing. 24 cases occurred amongst children of school
age the attack rate at ages being :—
0-4 years 0.77 per 1,000
5-14 years 1.06 per 1,000
15 upwards 0.06 per 1,000
There was a uniform scatter of cases in school departments
in those areas mainly affected and on detailed investigation there
was no evidence that attendance at school in any way affected
the incidence and in no case was direct contact at school found
to be responsible for the spread of the disease.
On the occurrence of a case of poliomyelitis in a child of
school age, the following measures were adopted:—
(1) Child and direct home contacts were excluded from
school for a minimum period of three weeks.
(2) The child was transferred to Clayponds Isolation
Hospital for treatment during the initial period.
(3) The child's home was visited and full particulars of
home conditions and contacts reported.
(4) School was visited, headmaster or headmistress informed,
class was inspected and measures taken to ensure
adequate spacing of desks and ventilation. Domestic arrangements
for school meals inspected and food helpers interviewed.
The headmaster usually notified parents of other children in
the class where a case of poliomyelitis had occurred.
(5) By arrangement with the education department competitive
games and sports days were restricted to avoid undue
fatigue.
(6) Full chlorinisation of all swimming baths in the
borough and measures taken to avoid overcrowding in swimming
baths, and paddling pools.
The large number of cases during August and September necessitated
the opening of a poliomyelitis treatment ward at the Clayponds
Isolation Hospital. All cases admitted were under supervision
of the orthopaedic surgeon from the commencement and
where necessary patients were later transferred to the Royal