London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Enfield 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Enfield]
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20
POLIOMYELITIS AND POLIO-ENCEPHALITIS.
The epidemic of 1947, which abated in 1948, was again in
evidence throughout the country during 1949, and unfortunately
was of a rather severe type.
In the course of the year, 17 cases of poliomyelitis with two
deaths and one case of polio-encephalitis, which also proved fatal,
occurred in the district.
The outbreak moderated towards the close of the year and
no further cases were notified after the end of November.
The following table shows the age and sex distribution of the cases notified.
| Age Groups | Poliomyelitis | Polio-Encephalitis | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Males | Females | Total | Males | Females | Total | |
| Under 1 | 2 | — | 2 | — | — | |
| 1- 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | — | — | — |
| 5-15 | 3 | 2 | 5 | — | — | — |
| 15-25 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | — | 1 |
| 25-45 | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| Totals | 11 | 6 | 17 | 1 | — | 1 |
Every known possible precaution against the spread of poliomyelitis
was taken in addition to paying attention to watercourses
in co-operation with the Metropolitan Water and Lee Catchment
Boards.
FOOD POISONING
Although only one case of food poisoning was notified during
the year, my attention was drawn to an attack of gastro-enteritis
affecting about 30 people of both sexes engaged at a factory with
a factory canteen available.
The illness was not of a serious nature, most of those affected
continuing at work and being practically recovered by the time
I was informed of the outbreak.
All those affected had partaken of a mid-day meal at the
factory canteen the previous day.