View report page

Infectious Diseases.
During 1948 there was 1 case of Poliomyelitis notified—
nevertheless it becomes apparent that this problem will be an
increasing one, and the difficulty of tracing a source of infection
becomes no less.
The figures show little variation worthy of comment except
perhaps to say that Measles tends to become more prominent each
year. I regret that there is still considerable difficulty in obtaining
supplies of convalescent measles serum for attenuation of the
disease in suitable cases. Protective injection against Whooping
Cough seems still to me to be of doubtful value, nor have I yet seen
evidence to convince me otherwise.
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. Here I would record my
thanks to the Housing Officer for his co-operation with the Public
Health Department in all matters.
Finally, may I draw particular attention to the amount of
work covered in the report of the Chief Sanitary Inspector, and
express the opinion that in view of conditions generally, the number
of nuisances and sanitary defects needing attention is likely to
increase still further.
The work of this department continues to increase both in
amount and importance and I would like to express my most
sincere thanks to the members of my staff for their untiring patience
and perseverance throughout the year.
Your obedient Servant,
C. M. SCOTT, m.r.c.s. (eng.), l.r.c.p. (lond),
Medical Officer of Health to the Council and
Aj Assistant School Medical Officer.
3