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Both organically and bacteriologically the water is
of a high degree of purity and is a pure and wholesome
water suitable for public supply purposes."
12 samples were also taken by us and submitted for
examination. The reports were in every case satisfactory.
Diphtheria Prophylaxis.
The greater share of the responsibility has now been taken
over by the County and I am at the moment unable to give accurate
percentages of numbers immunised. A start has been made in the
further protection of school children of the 8—10 year old age group.
It is noteworthy that prejudice against immunisation is steadily
decreasing and we are in process of being a well protected district.
Scabies.
During the year some 191 cases and contacts have been treated.
A steady decrease. Little persuasion is now needed to get people
to undergo treatment and recurrences have been infinitesimal in
number.
Ambulance.
During the year 1945, the Ambulance Service returned to the
control of this department, pending completion of the County
Ambulance Scheme. The number of cases dealt with in 1946, was
606, and we have reason to believe that the service is well appreciated
in the district.
Infectious Diseases.
Except for a marked increase in incidence of chicken pox in
1946, comparable figures over the past five years show little marked
variation. Fortunately no deaths were ascribed to infectious
diseases and the two cases of Diphtheria were non-immunised cases.
During the year we, in common with other surrounding districts,
had some few cases of Poliomyelitis. Fortunately these cases were
mild and the district escaped lightly.
By arrangement with the East Barnet District Nursing Association,
the department utilises the services of their nurses in many
public health activities, notably in the follow up of cases notified
as suffering from infectious diseases. The arrangement continues
to work well.
Tuberculosis.
Figures compare closely with previous year. The housing
problem is closely linked with the tuberculosis problem and I would
wish that it were possible to give more priority in adequate
accommodation to cases of tuberculosis.