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4
Continual efforts are made to maintain a high degree of
immunity against Diphtheria amongst the child population, and
our efforts must not be relaxed although more parents this year
accepted the service for their children. In addition to immunisation
in infancy and a re-inforcing dose at school entry, steps were
taken during the year to encourage a further re-inforcing dose at
the age of 10 years, in order to try to ensure immunity throughout
the whole of school life.
Although no cases of food poisoning were notified during the
year, the possibility of minor upsets for which medical attention
is not sought, is in my view quite real, and food hygiene, both in
the home, communal feeding places and all food premises, is of
the utmost importance. With this in mind special attention was
paid during the year to inspection and supervision of food premises
under the Food and Drugs Acts and Regulations. Also a complete
survey and inspection was made of all Public Houses. The results
of an investigation into the possibility of the establishment of
detailed Hygienic Codes for preparation, storage and handling of
food, is awaited with interest, and every opportunity is taken to
impress on housewives and food handlers the importance of strict
food hygiene.
In conclusion I should like to record my appreciation of the
efforts of the staff of the Health Department, during a difficult
transition period.
William D. Hyde,
Medical Officer of Health.