Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Edmonton]
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Enteric Fever.
Seven cases of Paratyphoid "B" were notified during the year.
In five of the cases, involving three families, the consumption of cakes
containing imitation cream purchased from the shops of a certain baker and
confectioner in the Borough was strongly suspected to be the source of
infection.
Investigation of the remaining two cases failed to reveal the source of
infection.
Dysentery.
During the year 185 cases of Dysentery were notified—125 Sonne, 21
Giardia. 19 Salmonella Typhi-murium. 3 Salmonella Thompson. 3 Salmonella
Newport. 1 Salmonella Minnesota. 1 Salmonella Dublin. 1 Salmonella Group
C. and 11 upspecified.
Following the occurrence of nine cases of Sonne Dysentery in seven
different classrooms at an infants' school (eight of the patients have school
meals), a visit was paid to the school and the school canteen; 11 teachers in
ihe infants department and 16 members of the school meals staff submitted
faeces specimens, all of which proved negative, with the exception of the one
submitted by the children's supervisor.
In all, 46 cases were notified among the children at the school, including
home contacts attending the Junior and Senior Departments.
Inspection of the meals canteen revealed no faults in the canteen facilities;
the washing facilities in the infants' school adequate, but the flushing arrangements
to both sets of conveniences were found to be unsatisfactory. This
matter was taken up with the Borough Education Officer.
The action taken to deal with the outbreak followed the control measures
detailed in my Report for 1950. and again I wish to record my appreciation of
the co-operation and assistance I received from the General Practitioners.
Dr. M. Thomas and Staff of the Public Health Laboratory Service (Edmonton).
Education Department and Teachers and Staff of the Health Department.
Meningococcal Infection.
Two cases were notified during the year. There was one death.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
34 cases were notified during the year. 31 in North Middlesex Hospital
and 3 at home. Of this total 13 were Edmonton cases.
Puerperal Pyrexia.
The Puerperal Pyrexia Regulations 1951 which came into operation on
1st August. 1951, replace Regulations previously in force, and modify the
definition of Puerperal Pyrexia.
96 cases were notified during the year (1 at home and 95 in North
Middlesex Hospital. Of this total 20 were Edmonton cases.
During 1955 164 cases were notified.
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