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PREVALENCE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
Measles and Whooping Cough.
These diseases were made compulsorily notifiable in October, 1939. 42
cases of Measles and 129 cases of Whooping Cough were notified during the
year. There were no deaths from these diseases.
Diphtheria.
One case was notified during the year. The patient was a 19-year-old
girl who had been immunised in 1947. One case was notified in 1953.
Scarlet Fever.
Continued to occur throughout the year in a mild form. There were
133 cases compared with 220 in 1953; there were no deaths.
"Return" cases numbered one, allowing for an interval of 28 days
between a patient returning home from the Isolation Hospital and the onset
of the disease in another inmate of the house.
Smallpox.
No cases of smallpox were notified during the year.
Enteric Fever.
One case of Paratyphoid "B" and one case of Typhoid Fever were
notified during the year.
Investigation failed to reveal the source of infection in the Paratyphoid
"B" case.
In the case of Typhoid Fever, the patient visited Italy and the onset
commenced four days before returning to England. The source of infection
was suspected to be water which was not sterilised before drinking.
Dysentery.
During the year 255 cases of Dysentery were notified—181 Sonne, 35
Giardia, 30 Salmonella Typhi-murium. 1 Salmonella Enteritidis and 8 unspecified.
The control measures, detailed in my Report for 1950. were maintained,
and again I wish to record my appreciation of the co-operation and assistance
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